‘Was that pepper spray?’ Police seek second suspect in brazen Gig Harbor shoplift

Gig Harbor Police are investigating after they say two men stole several bottles of whisky from a store before pepper-spraying an employee during their escape. 

One suspect has been arrested, while authorities are still searching for the other, according to a Facebook update from police. 

Witnesses told police that the two men were inside the store for less than a minute before leaving with the stolen whisky. They also reported seeing a woman waiting in a car outside before the suspects returned with the stolen items.

The 19-year-old man was found with the help of the vehicle’s registered owner. Police learned that the owner suspected her adult son, who was reportedly living on the streets of Tacoma, might have been driving the car at the time of the incident.

One arrested in Gig Harbor whisky theft

This lead helped detectives locate the suspect in an alley in Tacoma, where he was followed to a nearby pawn shop.

The man was arrested and booked into the Pierce County Jail on charges of robbery, assault, and vehicle theft. His bail has been set at $35,000.