Alleged shoplifter sprays bear spray inside mall: Police

A woman is facing three charges of assault with a weapon after allegedly firing a can of bear spray inside a mall when security confronted her about shoplifting.

The incident – which left several people suffering from the effects of the stinging spray – happened Thursday evening at a shopping centre on First Avenue South. Police didn’t name the centre, but the address given corresponds to Midtown Plaza, one of the largest and busiest malls in the city.

According to police, the 31-year-old woman was confronted by security “after attempting to take items without paying and deployed bear spray in an attempt to flee.”

The attempt wasn’t successful, and the woman is now facing charges.

In addition to the three counts of assault with a weapon, the woman is charged with robbery, possession of a dangerous weapon and carrying a concealed weapon.