An Oakwood resident accused of shoplifting at the Dillard’s store at the Mall of Georgia in Buford is facing a charge of aggravated battery after police say he pepper-sprayed an employee. 

The Dillard’s employee was attempting to detain 32-year-old Luis Madrigal on Saturday, Jan. 22, when the suspect pulled out a can of pepper spray and sprayed the employee in the face. Both the employee and the suspect were sprayed and each lost sight in one eye. 

Madrigal told the responding Gwinnett County police officer he was afraid and trying to escape, which made him reach for the pepper spray. He was placed under arrest and charged with aggravated battery before being transported to the Gwinnett County Jail, where he was released the following day also facing a charge for shoplifting.