Pepper spray disrupts card game

Josephine Baker has lived peacefully in an elderly apartment complex in Jamaica Plain for 20 years. Last night was a first for the 89-year-old woman.

Someone released pepper spray as about a dozen people, including Baker, played cards in the common room.

The game was disrupted as players coughed and complained of sore throats, said residents and Boston police.

"I just don't know how this could have happened," Baker said by phone last night. "I have nice neighbors, and nothing like this has ever happened."

The incident was reported around 7 p.m. Police said that a Fire Department hazardous materials specialist identified the irritating agent as pepper spray.

"All of a sudden I started coughing," said Baker. "My eyes started watering."

Another resident, Priscilla Sequeira, said the pokeno game is part of the regular routine at Woodbourne Apartments on Southbourne Road.

"We were just sitting down to play . . . and a few minutes later, everyone got to coughing," she said. "It's a shame that you can't live in your building in peace."

A third resident, Robert Kane, 66, said police questioned him because he has owned pepper spray in the past. He denied causing the disruption.

"The police came right to my door and asked if I have pepper spray," Kane said. "I am a disabled veteran, I've been through it all. I'm about to go through my 21st surgery, and this time it's cancer. It's not easy when the deck is stacked against you."

Eight residents were evaluated by paramedics and three were taken to Faulkner Hospital for observation, said Lieutenant Chris Stratton, a spokesman for Boston Emergency Medical Services.

John R. Ellement of the Globe staff contributed to this report.