WILMINGTON, DE — Delaware State Police have charged a Wilmington woman with felony assault and related offenses after investigators say two Dollar Tree employees were pepper-sprayed during a reported shoplifting incident Sunday morning.
According to state police, troopers responded at approximately 10:30 a.m. May 17, 2026, to the Dollar Tree on Kirkwood Highway for reports that two employees had been sprayed with pepper spray by a shoplifting suspect.
Police said responding troopers obtained a description of the suspect, later identified as 28-year-old Janaia Wright of Wilmington, and took her into custody outside the business.
The preliminary investigation determined Wright allegedly concealed store merchandise beneath two children seated in a stroller and wagon before attempting to leave the store without paying, according to investigators. When confronted by employees, Wright allegedly abandoned the merchandise and left the store with the children, police reported.
Investigators said Wright later returned to the store after allegedly realizing she had dropped her cellphone during the incident.
According to police, Wright allegedly approached two employees upon returning to the business and pepper-sprayed them before fleeing the store. Authorities also allege Wright knocked over a merchandise display while leaving, causing damage to products inside the store.
Police reported one employee was treated at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries, while the second employee declined medical treatment.
State police said Wright was transported to Troop 6, where she was charged and later arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11. She was released on a $5,600 unsecured bond.
According to investigators, Wright faces the following charges:
- Assault Second Degree with a Disabling Chemical Spray — two counts
- Shoplifting under $1,500
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child — two counts
- Criminal Mischief under $1,000
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.