Crime & Safety

Police Mulling Wal-Mart Pepper Spray Charges

Suspect who turned herself in refuses to talk, and is released by Devonshire Division officers, pending further investigation.

Police are still trying to decide whether to seek charges against the woman who allegedly attacked a crowd of Porter Ranch Wal-Mart customers with pepper spray Thanksgiving night during a holiday doorbuster sale.

The woman allegedly sprayed customers before she grabbed an Xbox video game console, purchased it and left the store, according to reports.

Twenty victims, including children, were treated for lung and eye irritation.

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The suspect, described as being in her 30s, walked into the Devonshire Division police station at 8:30 p.m. Friday and turned herself in, police said. However, police reported that she refused to answer questions, claiming her constitutional right against self-incrimination. Police did not provide her name, and she was released pending further investigation.

It would likely be at least two days before an arrest in the case could be made, Sgt. Jose Valle told the Huffington Post on Saturday.

Find out what's happening in Northridge-Chatsworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We have a ton of witnesses and victims to interview," LAPD Officer Bruce Borihanh told the Los Angeles Times.

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