MANCHESTER — A shoplifter used pepper spray to make her escape Tuesday night after a loss prevention officer tried to stop her from stealing items at Rite Aid, 1 Willow St.

The loss prevention officer told police responding to a robbery report about 7:30 p.m. that a female shoplifter had discharged pepper spray at him after he confronted her.

The man said he had seen the woman conceal several items in her bag and walk towards the exit. He stopped her and confronted her about the thefts and she dropped her bag.

But when he picked it up, he said, she directed the pepper spray at him. He said he ducked, but the spray still hit his arm, neck and back and the woman then fled the store.

She is described as Hispanic with long dark curly hair, wearing a pink tank top and black yoga pants. She was seen leaving the area with two men, a white male wearing a white tank top and jeans and a Hispanic male with no clothing description.

Contact Manchester Police Department at 668-8711 with information. Anonymous tips for cash rewards can be made through the Manchester Crimeline at 624-4040 or online at www.manchestercrimeline.org.