Police Department

Woman arrested after she shoplifted from Buckle at Northtown Mall and assaulted employees with pepper spray.

Corporal Maplethorpe

Friday, July 3, 2020 at 1:27 a.m.

Today, July 2, 2020, at approximately 6:00 PM, Spokane Police dispatch received a call of a robbery at Buckle at Northtown Mall.  The suspect had taken several articles of clothing and then used pepper spray against the employees to make her escape.

The victims were able to identify the type of vehicle in which the suspect escaped.  The vehicle was unique enough to be identified by an astute SPD Corporal who happened to be in the area.  The vehicle was stopped and the suspect was taken into custody.  The stolen items were recovered and returned to the store.  Other people in the vehicle were released after a thorough investigation, when it was determined they were not directly involved with the crime.

Vanessa Schultz (20) of Spokane, was booked into the Spokane County Regional Jail facility for Robbery 1^st degree for the use of pepper spray during the theft.

Schultz has prior convictions for possession of a controlled substance (no prescription) and theft 3^rd degree.

Thanks to the witnesses who provided great information which led to officers being able to locate the suspect vehicle.

SPD officers are trained to thoroughly investigate allegations of crime to ensure only those committing the crimes are arrested.  It is not uncommon for innocent people to be detained during the investigation of a crime.  SPD officers use excellent judgement and outstanding investigation skills to clear innocent people, who may have been detained during the incident, as quickly as possible.

If you have been a witness to or a victim of a crime, please call Crime Check (509-456-2233).

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