Teen sprayed panicked Costco shoppers in eyes

A teenager had an "unhealthy interest in serious violence" before he travelled to Costco and sprayed shoppers with a homemade noxious substance, a court has heard.

Romeo Dumbi's actions prompted a multi-agency emergency response and evacuation at Costco in Avonmouth, Bristol, on 17 February 2025 after 10 people complained of stinging or itchy eyes and skin.

Dumbi, 18, from Portishead, was sentenced to 16 months in custody, suspended for two years, at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday.

Avon and Somerset Police said he caused significant panic and distress to shoppers. It is understood Dumbi told officers at the scene the substance contained chilli and oil.

Dumbi was also ordered to wear an electronic tag and complete a 28-day rehabilitation requirement, as well as a five-year Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO), which restricts his online accounts, internet access and internet-enabled devices.

Police, fire and the ambulance service responded to the incident and treated the victims - including Dumbi - at the scene.

Dumbi, who was 17 at the time, was arrested at the store and later admitted four counts of administering a noxious substance.

Det Sgt Mike Coleman, from Avon and Somerset Police, thanked the Costco staff and members of the public who "bravely" restrained Dumbi during the incident.

"His reckless actions caused significant panic and distress to members of the public.

"People were complaining of stinging or itchy eyes and skin and not knowing the content of the spray in the early stages added to their concern," Coleman said.

He added that Dumbi's actions took up a large number of emergency service resources and led to the temporary closure of the store.

If Dumbi breaches the SCPO, he could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, police said.

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