Rodeo officials, who said they were “astounded” by the incident on Friday, confirmed an HPD assistant chief told them Monday that the department was investigating allegations a police officer released tear gas during the cook-off…

“We became the unwelcome recipients of the gas as well,” said Barlow, adding the incident occurred late in the evening when there were about 10 people in the tent. “We were devastated by it. We have elderly people, and I have two folks that night who were a double and triple amputee in wheelchairs.“