Madison shoplifter pepper sprays security during escape www.privateofficer.com

Madison WI March 30 2011 An alleged shoplifter running from a West Towne Mall store was able to get away from a security guard by spraying pepper spray into the guard's face, police said.

The retail theft was reported at 2:55 p.m. Saturday at Boston Store, the Madison Police Department reported.

According to a police report, the female suspect was observed by security at the store allegedly removing security tags from men's clothing and stuffing the merchandise into a black handbag.

"The employee pursued her as she left the store and was about to catch up with her in the parking lot when he was stopped in his tracks by the pepper spray," said police spokesman Joel DeSpain.

Police said the woman then jumped into an off-white or cream-colored Chrysler 300M and drove away. The car was reported to have front end damage.

The 28-year-old security guard from Oregon was treated for exposure to pepper spray.

The suspect is a black female, 24-30 years old, 5 feet, 8 inches to 5 feet, 9 inches tall, 200-220 pounds, hair worn in a ponytail, wearing a white sweater and carrying a black handbag.

Source:Madison.com