RUMFORD — Four people were hospitalized Sunday night after a man reportedly blasted two families with pepper spray at a home on Cumberland Avenue, according to Rumford police.

Police said a 35-year-old woman and children ages 16, 13 and 9 required medical treatment after being sprayed with the powerful chemical. An infant at a neighboring apartment was also evaluated by paramedics at the scene.

Investigators later located 41-year-old Donald “Harley” Wilson of Rumford and arrested him on four counts of criminal use of disabling chemicals, four counts of assault and a single charge of disorderly conduct, a news release by Rumford police said.

Wilson was jailed but later freed on bail.

The attack at 419 Cumberland Ave. was reported about 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Witnesses said Wilson had come to the home looking for his son.

“When he was unable to locate that person or obtain information regarding their whereabouts,” Rumford police wrote, “Wilson became angry and discharged pepper spray inside the residence.”

When the victims called for help, several of them were screaming and experiencing difficulty breathing, police said.

Witnesses said that after spraying the group Wilson fled on foot. Several people reported that he had been wearing a wig during the attack.

Rumford police later found Wilson walking on Lincoln Avenue and arrested him without incident.

Police believe alcohol was a factor in the incident.

Bear spray, typically containing capsaicin from chili peppers, is used by hikers and animal controllers to stop aggressive bears.

The chemical causes intense inflammation of the eyes, nose and lungs, leading to temporary blindness, difficulty breathing and severe irritation.

Those treated Sunday night were later released from Rumford Hospital.

Rumford police were continuing to investigate the matter.