Another Bear Spray Attack? Restaurant Robbery Probed In Burlington County: Police

MARLTON, NJ — An individual deployed a chemical irritant during a robbery Saturday against a Marlton restaurant, police said. The incident marked the second Burlington County robbery in a week in which a suspect may have used bear spray, according to authorities.

A lone male suspect, wearing a gas mask, entered Mikado Japanese Sushi & Steak House (793 E Route 70) at 10:21 p.m. — after closing time — officials said. The individual sprayed a chemical irritant at an employee, bound her hands and feet, and duct taped her mouth, according to the Evesham Police Department.

The suspect then stole an undisclosed amount of money from the cash register and fled in an unknown direction, authorities said. The victim remained constrained until a coworker found her. She was treated at Virtua Hospital and released.

Evesham police aren't sure whether the suspect used pepper spray or bear spray. A similar attack occurred days earlier in Medford.

On Sept. 19, a suspect deployed bear spray at a victim and stole his wallet, according to Medford police. The unknown male was wearing black clothing and a mask during the robbery at the Village at Taunton Forge shopping center, authorities said. Read more: Victim Attacked With Bear Spray, Robbed In Burlington County: Police

The vehicle pictured above was seen near the Medford robbery and could be related to the suspect, according to Evesham police.

Bear spray — an aerosol spray meant as a last line of defense against aggressive bears — contains irritants that can cause the eyes, nose and lungs to swell. The spray can permanently damage eyes, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Anyone with information related to the Marlton incident can contact the Evesham Police Department at 856-983-1116, the confidential tip line 856-983-4699, or text an anonymous tip to ETPDTIP at 847411.