Police: 'Masked man' that prompted St. Charles Walmart evacuation was wearing medical device

A Walmart in St. Charles was evacuated Friday morning amid reports of a masked man, who police later determined was covering his face for medical reasons.

Authorities responded at 10:09 a.m. to reports of a man who entered the store at 150 Smith Road wearing a mask concealing his face, according to a news release from St. Charles police.

Walmart management evacuated the building for "precautionary measures," officials said.

St. Charles police, with help from Geneva and West Chicago officers, found the man and cleared the scene.

Cmdr. Michael Griesbaum said the man recently underwent medical treatment and was wearing a "medical device" that covered his face from the nose down to assist with his breathing.

He also was wearing an attachment that gave the appearance of a bandana-like mask rather than medical equipment, likely causing the confusion.

"There's no reason for any concern," Griesbaum said. "There was no criminal act or any danger ever."

Police were told early on that no weapons had been spotted, he said.

The evacuation and police presence sparked concern on social media in the wake of other gun-related cases at Walmart stores across the country. Last weekend, 22 people were killed in a shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas.

"Walmart is definitely aware, and they're not taking any chances," Griesbaum said. "So when the reports came in to the manager, she acted."