Youths spray family with chemical

A Wasilla family had hoped for a relaxing evening Saturday at Mat-Su Cinema where they went to watch "Spy Dog."

Instead, as they were entering the building, a team of teen-agers ambushed them and sprayed a "light, powdery substance," coating their clothing and rendering them temporarily blind, according to the victims.

The family couldn't see the attackers and were unable to get a license plate number on the dark, late-model Ford Explorer that sped off after the attack.

Wasilla Police, who took samples from the scene, believe the chemical sprayed on the family is from a fire-extinguisher, investigator Jean Achee said.

The woman who was sprayed said she wishes to remain anonymous, but also wants to express her concern that these teens "thought of this as a prank. They were so blatant that they did this right at the front door of Mat-Su Cinema. There are no security guards there, and no cameras that could have identified the teens and the vehicle."

Two other incidents like this had occurred on other nights, the victim said police told her. One was at a Taco Bell in Wasilla and the other incident occurred at the Cottonwood Creek Mall.

"It's alarming to think these teen-agers are out there doing this, that they think this is funny," she said.

The woman has coughed up blood and suffered other symptoms since the attack. Other family members have suffered skin irritation and other symptoms as well.

Mat-Su Fire Chief Jack Krill said chemicals in fire extinguishers vary because of types of fires they put out.

"It depends on which type was used. They don't have carcinogens, but they do cause irritation to eyes and throat and cause a rash. It also leaves a strong taste in your mouth," Krill said.

He recommended that anyone with symptoms be checked by a medical professional.

Wasilla Police pulled over three Ford Explorers that night in search of the teens, Achee said. They also searched a popular teen hangout but were unable to locate the suspects.

"We had hoped to have a nice relaxing family time seeing a movie together and then this happened," the victim said. "I'm hoping someone knowing more about this will step forward so that these kids don't get away with doing this to people."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Wasilla Police at 373-9074.