“Shoplifter Turns Violent at Dillard’s — Shocks Police With Unexpected Attack ”
A routine loss-prevention call at a Dillard’s department store quickly escalated into a chaotic confrontation after a suspected shoplifter unexpectedly pepper-sprayed responding officers, turning a simple stop into a full-blown emergency.
Bodycam footage shows the moment officers entered the store after security reported a woman allegedly attempting to leave with merchandise hidden in her bag. At first, everything appeared calm. The woman, wearing a mask and carrying a shopping bag, walked casually through the shoe department as if nothing unusual was happening.
Officers approached her with standard protocol, identifying themselves and asking her to stop so they could speak with her. But within seconds, the encounter shifted from calm to explosive. As the woman stepped backward, her hand suddenly moved toward her pocket. Officers ordered her to keep her hands visible — but she ignored the command.
Without warning, she reached into her bag, pulled out a canister, and blasted pepper spray directly toward the officers.
The footage captures the chaotic moment as officers staggered back, coughing and covering their faces. The spray filled the air, causing customers nearby to scatter. Store employees rushed to usher shoppers away from the scene while officers fought through the burning sensation to regain control of the situation.
Despite the pain and disorientation caused by the unexpected attack, the officers immediately radioed for backup. The suspect sprinted toward the exit, but additional units were already nearby. Officers outside received a description and were ready as she burst through the doors attempting to flee.
The chase didn’t last long. Several officers intercepted her in the parking lot, detaining her safely without further incident. Paramedics were called to assist officers affected by the pepper spray, and thankfully, none suffered long-term injuries.
Police later confirmed that the suspect had multiple previous incidents involving retail theft and had been known to carry pepper spray, though she had never used it against officers before. Investigators noted that her decision to actively spray police transformed a simple shoplifting case into a much more serious offense.
Shoppers who witnessed the scene described it as “shocking” and “surreal,” with one customer saying she had “never seen anything escalate that fast inside a mall.” Many praised the officers for maintaining composure despite the unexpected attack.
Security footage and bodycam video will now be used as evidence in the case. Authorities stated that the woman faces several charges, including theft, resisting, and assaulting an officer — charges that carry significantly higher penalties than the shoplifting offense that triggered the response in the first place.
This incident serves as a reminder of how quickly routine calls can turn dangerous. What began as a suspected shoplifting attempt — something police deal with regularly — instantly escalated into a violent encounter requiring multiple units and medical attention.
As one officer remarked afterward, situations like this highlight the unpredictability of law enforcement: “You never know what a simple call will turn into.”