SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico —  Investigators poured a little salt on the wounds Miss Puerto Rico Universe claims she suffered at the hands of an alleged pepper-spray attacker.

Police probing the alleged sabotage of Miss Puerto Rico Universe Ingrid Marie Rivera's clothing during the Nov. 23 competition said tests showed no traces of capsicum, the pepper spray's active ingredient, Reuters reported.

The 24-year-old Rivera said she broke out in hives and swelling during the pageant and was forced to ice down her face and body between events.

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"I guess she has a lot of explaining to do," police spokesman Stephen Alvarez said on Saturday.

Police Superintendent Pedro Toledo said his department now would focus its investigation on whether anyone lied to his detectives, which would be a felony.

The original complaint was filed by the pageant's security director, Alvarez told Reuters. Rivera has not given any statements to police investigators.

Magali Febles, the director of the beauty pageant, insisted that the sabotage took place and said she would ask authorities to test for other substances.

Organizers also said Rivera's bags, containing clothing and credit cards, were stolen during the event, and that a bomb threat was called in the day before the final competition, forcing the cancellation of some events.

Beauty competitions are popular in Puerto Rico, which has won the Miss Universe pageant five times. Rivera is considered a favorite in this year's competition.