Pharmacist Who Sprayed Capsaicin on Quarreling Customer Receives Probation in First Trial

Sprayed Capsaicin During Argument With Customer
Pharmacist in Her 40s Sentenced to Probation for Special Assault

A pharmacist in her 40s was found guilty after spraying capsaicin into the eyes of a customer in his 70s during an argument at a pharmacy.

The Incheon District Court Criminal Division 8 (Judge Seong In-hye) announced on the 12th that pharmacist A (42, female), who was charged with special assault, was sentenced to 8 months in prison with a 2-year probation period.

A was prosecuted for injuring customer B (75) by spraying capsaicin using a sprayer at a pharmacy in Incheon at 4:44 p.m. on October 16, 2023. Capsaicin is the main component that gives chili peppers their spiciness and is a plant-derived substance extracted from pepper and chili powder.

According to the investigation, A became angry and committed the crime after B, who had left the pharmacy, returned and confronted her, saying, "You spoke to me informally; did I make a mistake?" It was revealed that A sprayed the pistol-type sprayer toward B’s head and face, causing injury.

B was hit in the eye area with capsaicin and, in pain, fled outside the pharmacy. Unable to open his eyes properly, he collapsed on the street and was transported to the hospital by the 119 emergency medical team.

B was diagnosed with 'dislocation of the intraocular lens' and received outpatient treatment for about 10 days. Eventually, he underwent vitrectomy and intraocular lens replacement surgery. Despite the surgery, B’s vision, which had deteriorated since the incident, did not recover.

The court stated, "The victim is believed to have suffered considerable physical and mental pain due to the defendant’s actions," and explained the sentencing by noting, "Although the defendant deposited 5 million won as consolation money, the fact that the victim sought criminal punishment was taken into consideration."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.