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Teenager sentenced for Costco substance attack

News imageAvon and Somerset Police A mugshot of Romeo Dumbi. He has short black hair and some stubble on his upper lip. He is pictured looking directly at the camera with a blank expression.Avon and Somerset Police
Romeo Dumbi caused "significant panic and distress" during the attack in Costco last year, police said

A teenager had an "unhealthy interest in serious violence" before he travelled to Costco and sprayed shoppers with a homemade noxious substance, a court heard.

Romeo Dumbi's actions prompted a multi-agency emergency response and evacuation at Costco in Avonmouth, Bristol, on 17 February 2025 after 10 people complained of stinging or itchy eyes and skin.

Dumbi, 18, from Portishead, was sentenced to 16 months in custody, suspended for two years, at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday.

Avon and Somerset Police said that Dumbi caused significant panic and distress after spraying people with the irritant, which was made from ingredients he legally bought online.

Dumbi was also ordered to wear an electronic tag and complete a 28-day rehabilitation requirement, as well as a five-year Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO), which restricts his online accounts, internet access and internet-enabled devices.

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Police, fire and the ambulance service responded to the incident and treated the victims - including Dumbi - at the scene.

Dumbi was arrested at the store and later admitted four counts of administering a noxious substance.

Dumbi, who was 17 at the time of the offences, told officers at the scene that the substance contained oil and chilli.

News imageGoogle A screenshot from Google street view showing the exterior entrance to Costco. It is a large grey warehouse building with the store's name in red across the front and a large window on the left. Under a sheltered area there are lots of trolleys lines up. To the right there is a vast car park.Google
Ten people - including Dumbi - were treated at the scene by paramedics

Det Sgt Mike Coleman, from Avon and Somerset Police, thanked the Costco staff and members of the public who "bravely" restrained Dumbi during the incident.

"His reckless actions caused significant panic and distress to members of the public.

"People were complaining of stinging or itchy eyes and skin and not knowing the content of the spray in the early stages added to their concern," Coleman said.

He added that Dumbi's actions took up a large number of emergency service resources and led to the temporary closure of the store.

If Dumbi breaches the SCPO, he could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, police said.

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