Cops: Man turned away from Crystal Lake eatery pepper sprays patron

A man denied service Sunday night at TQuilas Mexican Restaurant in Crystal Lake shot pepper spray at the bouncer in the parking lot who blocked his entry, police said.

But he missed his target and a 39-year-old female patron inadvertently walked through the mist instead, police said.

Police were dispatched to the eatery, 5417 S. Route 31, around 8:50 p.m. for a report of a battery.

Officers haven't yet discovered why the bouncer wouldn't allow the man inside, Police Cmdr. Dan Dziewior said.

"For whatever reason, the man at the door said he wasn't going to let him in," Dziewior said. "We don't know if he was acting disorderly in the parking lot or if he was intoxicated on his arrival."

The woman who walked through the pepper spray mist, meanwhile, was treated at the scene by paramedics after complaining of a burning sensation in her eyes.

The man left in a tan, late-model Dodge Intrepid before officers arrived, police said.

He is described as a tall Latino in his mid-to-late 40s, with an average build, dark clothes and curly black hair.

Anyone with information about this incident should call the police department at (815) 356-3620.

People who would rather remain anonymous should phone Crime Stoppers at (800) 762-STOP.

Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards for information leading to an arrest.