Pepper spray suspect arrested

A thief discharged pepper spray in the direction of police officers in a bid to escape but was arrested and is expected to be arraigned today, the police said.

The man, understood to be in his late 20s, hails from Qormi but resides in Zebbug. He was apprehended in St Mark Street, Valletta at about 8 a.m. yesterday.

The police said they were tipped off that a theft was taking place and on arriving on the scene they noticed a man leaving a house. He started to run at the sight of the police.

The police gave chase and the man turned round and discharged pepper spray in their direction. The police braved the burning sensation and arrested the suspect. They were admitted to hospital for treatment but were released shortly after.

Two other men were arrested later and are also helping the police in connection with the case.

The police later managed to foil another robbery, this time in Gzira.

Two suspicious-looking men were noticed close to a number of parked cars in Empire Stadium Street, Gzira. On arriving on the scene, the police spotted a man in a car and another trying to force open the door of a van. The latter tried to flee the police and, when approached, attempted to attack the officers with a screwdriver but was restrained and arrested.

Police investigations continue.