An unidentified substance caused the evacuation of two gay bars on Halsted last Saturday night, July 21, but police have no suspects or motive in the attacks.
First hit was Lucky Horseshoe, 3169 N. Halsted, at around 11:45 p.m. Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted, was struck around 12:30 a.m. The substance used resembled a pepper spray or mace, but no containers were found.
Customers at both bars experienced tearing and coughing, but no one was taken to a hospital. However, Lucky Horseshoe co-owner Larry "Sophie" Graham, who was working the club during the incident, died the following day of a heart attack. Ben Allen, co-owner of the bar, said he believes the gas attack may have contributed to Graham's heart attack. Graham had a heart attack several years ago and recently was battling cancer. He was 58 years old, and had worked in gay clubs for several decades.
When the Sidetrack attack occurred, a police officer across the street witnessed people pouring out of the new glass-enclosed extension of the club. Sidetrack co-owner Chuck Hyde said the substance was probably either pepper spray or mace that was just sprayed in the air. "We found no capsule or container. Nobody saw anything and no one was hurt," Hyde reported Monday.
At both bars, customers waited outside until the air was filtered.
"We're more alert now, but this is something simple people can do anytime," Hyde said.
At Lucky Horseshoe, Graham left a detailed, written report for Allen before he passed away. The substance was apparently released in the front room of the bar. Graham reported that he started tearing up and coughing and that while some people left through the front of the bar, others stayed in the back area.
Graham reported that police were helpful in giving tips to deal with the spray.
"This definitely sounds like a hate crime to me," Allen said. "These sprays are so amazing. Someone could walk along and have one canister and hold it behind them and leave a trail behind them."
There were reports that both Roscoe's and Spin bars also experienced attacks, but the managers at both of those bars said they were not targeted.
In a case that may or not be related to the gas attacks, a male Hispanic was arrested earlier Saturday, July 21, for causing a disturbance and breaking a glass at the Lucky Horseshoe. The man was arrested around 6 p.m. Saturday at the bar and charged with criminal damage to property. Allen said he would ask police to investigate whether the two incidents were related.
Sidetrack co-owner Chuck Hyde said his bar had not any other disturbances that evening.