CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Peeved over pepper spray and police response, some Chapel Hill residents sounded off at a town council meeting Wednesday about last week’s dueling Silent Sam rallies.

• Several felt the effects after two pepper foggers were deployed during the rally.
• Residents believe a Greensboro police officer used the pepper fogger inappropriately.
• Chapel Hill police chief says the events of the last two weeks have had a significant impact on local resources.

“I was carrying a bicycle water bottle and flushed the eyes of more than one person suffering the effects of the pepper spray,” said one rally participant.

Of the only four speakers, much concern focused on the Greensboro Police Department. Residents believe an officer from that agency used the pepper fogger inappropriately.

“We’re just beginning the process of debriefing events,” Chapel Hill Police Chief Chris Blue said. “We’ll do so in close coordination of the department at UNC. I know there are many questions about events, about decisions that were made, costs incurred by the town and how do we see the future of such events.”

The chief said the events of the last two weeks have had a significant impact on local resources, but is thankful no one was seriously hurt over the course of them.