A Mount Diablo State Park ranger pepper sprayed a man on Sunday evening after a park visitor refused to leave the park after closing time.
Park superintendent Ryen Goering said, at about 7 p.m. one visitor was arguing with the ranger at the South Gate entrance when another pulled up in a car and became belligerent. The ranger used pepper spray on the man in the car "in an effort to get the situation under control," Goering said.
Sheriff’s deputies were called for backup.
The park officially closes at sunset, which is about 5:45 p.m. this time of year.
The man who was pepper sprayed was treated at the scene.
Both men were released. No charges have been filed at this point, but Goering said charges are possible.
