18 taken to hospitals after pepper spray attack at South Side party

Eighteen people were taken to various hospitals after someone sprayed pepper spray during a party Saturday night in the Gage Park neighborhood on the Southwest Side.

Several people were at a party in a backyard in the 5000 block of South Rockwell about 11 p.m. when pepper spray was discharged into the yard from the alley, police News Affairs Officer Amina Greer said.

Eighteen people were taken to hospitals including Saint Anthony’s, Holy Cross, Stroger, Sinai and Little Company of Mary, Greer said. All of the victims were expected to be treated and released.