COLUMBIA, MD — When Safeway employees noticed a man trying to steal items in the store located on Harpers Farm Road near Cedar Lane Thursday, Sept. 12, they approached him. But the shoplifter turned and pepper-sprayed the employees.

According to Howard County police, the incident occurred at 8:11 p.m. After the shoplifter sprayed the employees, he took off with the merchandise. A female suspect who was with him also stole items, according to police. No serious injuries were reported.

The suspects are described only as a black male, approximately 45 to 50 years old, 5 foot 9 inches tall with a thin build wearing a gray T-shirt and black pants; and a black female, an estimated 40 years old, 5 foot 6 inches tall with a heavy build, wearing a green sweater, WBFF reported.