Shoplifter arrested after pepper spraying police officers

BERNALILLO - A woman is facing more than shoplifting charges after she pepper sprayed two Bernalillo Police officers at Walmart.

Selina Garcia, 32, of Albuquerque, was arrested Jan. 8 for two counts aggravated battery upon a peace officer, assault, shoplifting and resisting arrest at the Walmart in Bernalillo.

A criminal complaint states Asset Protection at the store called because Garcia was concealing items and was still in the store.

The two officers on scene were walking through the store when they heard the emergency alarm system coming from an exit. The automotive emergency exit door was open and the alarm was beeping.

Outside the door, Garcia was assaulting the Asset Protection employee. When they approached her to detain her, she pepper sprayed them in the eyes.

She was cuffed on the ground and taken into custody.

Garcia could face more than six years in prison if she is convicted.