Philadelphia Police are on the hunt for a man who allegedly attacked a police officer with mace at Target Store in the Port Richmond section of the city.
Police say the 25th District officer was working overtime at the Target on the 2700 block of Castor Avenue when an unidentified man tried to commit a refund scam at the store.
As the officer and two security guards approached him at the entrance, the man allegedly began to resist.
"A violent struggle ensued," said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small. "The suspect then pulled mace from one of his pockets and was able to mace not only the two security guards but also the Philadelphia Police officer."
Officials say the police officer was hit in the face with the mace. The officer was taken to Episcopal Hospital and treated for minor injuries. The two security guards also suffered minor injuries.
Police say the suspect fled in a purple Dodge minivan westbound on Castor Avenue. The van was found overnight at E Huntingdon and Sepviva Streets in the city's Kensington section.
The suspect is described as a bald white or Hispanic male with a full beard, full sleeve tattoo on his right arm and tattoos on his left arm. Police also say he was wearing a white and blue Polo shirt and blue jeans.
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Small had harsh words for the suspect.
"To spray mace or pepper spray into the face and eyes of security guards and uniformed police personnel is a pretty serious crime, it's aggravated assault."
