Man Attempts To Shoplift Then Releases Pepper Spray In Tempe

TEMPE, AZ —Authorities continue to search for a suspect who allegedly attempted to shoplift and then released pepper spray inside a store at Tempe Marketplace on Monday, a Tempe Police Department spokesperson said Tuesday.

Nobody suffered serious injuries in the incident, which happened inside Michaels arts and crafts, located at 55 S McClintock Dr. Ste 125.

The Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department was on the scene to treat five minor, indirect exposures related to the release of the irritant, police said. The fire department also confirmed the substance released was pepper spray.

According to Tempe police, the incident took place at 10:40 a.m. Monday in a fairly empty store.

The suspect, described as a male wearing dark clothing, was observed by an employee trying to shoplift markers, police said.

As the employee approached the suspect, a can of pepper spray in his pocket went off, and the suspect ran out of the store.

"(Witnesses) are not sure if (the release) was intentional or not," Hector Encinas, TPD's public information officer told Patch.

Encinas said he had not communicated with the sergeant on the scene to know if the suspect actually made off with any stolen items.

The TPD spokesman said police were called and officers canvassed the area, but were not able to locate the suspect.

The Michaels location and common areas of Tempe Marketplace do have security cameras, Encinas said, and authorities will be taking a look at the footage to find out what they can learn about the suspect and the incident.

The Tempe Marketplace also has its own security team, and Encinas said members of that department will continue to monitor the mall for other signs of the suspect.

"We're always in touch with (Tempe Marketplace security) and have a very good relationship with them," Encinas said.