Walmart shoplifter pepper-sprays police, Fresno PD says

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A Fresno Police officer was pepper sprayed while responding to a shoplifting incident inside a Walmart in central Fresno, according to the police department.

Police say on Wednesday at around 4 p.m. an officer who was working at the Walmart near Ashlan and Blackstone advised other officers over the radio that he had been pepper sprayed by a suspect attempting to steal items from the store.

Police say the suspect identified as 44-year-old Vira La Phetphommasoyk fled on foot and was located by other officers a short distance away.  

Phetphommasoyk was taken into custody and booked into Fresno County Jail on suspicion of robbery, battery against a police officer, obstructing/resisting an officer and unlawful possession/use of tear gas, according to police.

The officer was treated for the effects of the pepper spray.