Security Guards Pepper-Sprayed In Shoplifting Incident At Dadeland Mall
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Several mall shoppers experienced the effects of pepper-spray after a woman allegedly tried helping a shoplifter escape custody from security guards at the Dadeland Mall.
It happened late Saturday afternoon inside the Macy's department store.
Miami-Dade Police said after a man was taken into custody for shoplifting, a woman attempted to free him by pepper-spraying the guards holding him.
The store was soon evacuated as the self-defense spray permeated throughout, causing some people to feel sick.
SLATER SCOOP: Macy's Dadeland Mall has been evacuated. Store is contaminated w/ pepper spray after security tried to detain shoplifter. pic.twitter.com/Wr6CZgEM9p
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) April 1, 2017
According to South Florida radio talk show host, Andy Slater, witnesses said the incident happened in an elevator and the pepper-spray entered into the store's ventilation system.
SLATER SCOOP: Shoppers sickened after pepper spray incident at Dadeland Mall Macy's. https://t.co/ush8hCet8Q pic.twitter.com/TVD1MyzZwa
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) April 1, 2017
Police are now looking for the suspect, described as a black woman with dreadlocks, about 120 lbs. and between the age of 25 to 30.