Off-Duty Officer Pepper-Sprayed While Trying To Stop Pasadena Shoplifting: Police

PASADENA, MD — Authorities said an off-duty police officer was pepper-sprayed while trying to stop four Pasadena shoplifters last Wednesday. An incident report noted that medics treated the officer on the scene, but the accused girls got away.

The assault happened around 3:30 p.m. at the Five Below located at 8036 Ritchie Highway, the write-up added. The press release mentioned that the officer caught the teenagers stealing, so he showed them his badge and announced himself as law enforcement.

Officials explained that the females, aged about 15 to 18, then ran away with items. One of the suspects sprayed the officer while she was fleeing, police informed. A store manager grabbed a bag of merchandise from one girl before she got away, authorities stated.

The report shared that the females then hopped in a silver or gray late-model sedan that was waiting outside.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department released the photos above and asked anybody with information to call (410) 222-6145. Tipsters can stay anonymous by dialing (410) 222-4700.

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