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Police: Woman assaults employee with pepper spray in U-District store

Police are searching for a woman after they say she assaulted an employee with pepper spray inside a University District store Monday evening.

Firefighters responded to the 4500 block of University Way Northeast at about 7 p.m.

A woman got into an argument with an employee and then pulled out a can of pepper spray and sprayed the employee in the face, according to police. A large amount of pepper spray was released into the store, reportedly injuring other customers.

Five people were treated at the scene for pepper spray exposure. No one was taken to the hospital.

Investigators said the suspect fled and she has not been caught.

According to witnesses, the suspect is described as a woman in her 30s, about 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighs 190 to 200 pounds and has blonde hair. She was wearing sunglasses, a pink sleeveless shirt and dark shorts.

Anyone with information should contact police.

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