By: Richard L. Smith
A teenager has been taken into custody following a violent pepper spray attack on a supermarket employee on Thursday.
Newark Police Director Fritz Fragé reported to RLS Media that around 12:20 p.m. on May 23, a Newark Police Officer stationed at ShopRite on Springfield Avenue responded to an altercation between a cashier and a 17-year-old female customer.
According to witnesses, the dispute escalated, resulting in the juvenile pepper-spraying the cashier.
Shoppers inside the store praised the officer for his swift response, which prevented further escalation of the situation.
The cashier fell to the ground, and all hell was breaking loose. The cop at the door cuffed the attacker. -ShopRite Customers
While the pepper spray did contact at least one customer, no serious injuries were reported.
Police said the cashier was transported to University Hospital for treatment and is currently in stable condition.
Director Fragé stated that the juvenile was arrested and faces several charges, including aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and harassment.
The suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.