Woman Pepper-Sprayed By Alleged Robber While Apartment Complex Was On Fire
IRVINE (CBSLA.com) — Authorities in Irvine say a man used pepper-spray on a female victim while her apartment complex was on fire.
A fire caused an evacuation of the four-story apartment complex in the 2300 block of Dupont Drive, near John Wayne Airport.
Officials said an evacuated resident went back to her apartment to retrieve something when she discovered a man burglarizing her apartment.
The suspect pepper-sprayed the woman and fled.
According to officials, the suspect is still at large.
The fire reportedly began in a dumpster and spread to the complex.
It is unclear if the suspect also started the fire as a distraction.
Andrea Fujii, reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, spoke to Irvine Police Department Lt. John Whalen.
Whalen described the suspect as a heavyset Latino in his 30's wearing a black leather jacket. He also said the suspect had a noticeable mole on his cheek.
He said the victim was treated on scene and "okay."
