Location: 1000 block of S. Hayes Street, Arlington VA
Time: Approximately 7:15 p.m., August 31; reported at approximately 7:52 p.m.
ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington police are investigating a robbery in which an employee was pepper sprayed after confronting a suspected shoplifter at a business on S. Hayes Street.
Police said a male suspect attempted to leave the business without paying for merchandise. When an employee confronted him, the suspect allegedly pepper sprayed the employee and fled on foot with the merchandise.
The employee did not require medical treatment.
Police described the suspect as a Black man in his mid-20s with an average build. He was reportedly wearing a baseball hat, white shirt and jeans and carrying a backpack. The investigation is ongoing.