Woman Arrested After Pepper-Spraying Five Below Employees During Shoplifting Escape

by Ryan Yousefi October 30, 2025

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Marcia N. McDonald {BSO}

A woman was arrested Monday night after police say she pepper-sprayed Five Below employees – including a minor – while attempting to flee the store with stolen merchandise.

According to a Margate Police Department report, Marcia N. McDonald, 27, of Pompano Beach, was taken into custody outside the Five Below located at 5385 West Atlantic Boulevard after officers responded to a robbery in progress.

Store employees alerted police to a robbery in progress after they said McDonald was seen placing multiple items into her bag while walking through the store. When staff confronted her and asked that she return the merchandise, McDonald allegedly refused and continued toward the exit.

As she left the building, McDonald reportedly pulled out a canister of pepper spray and sprayed it toward the employees who tried to stop her. One of the victims, a store associate who is 17 years old, suffered serious injuries to the face and arms, along with two other employees who were treated at the scene.

Police say McDonald later admitted to officers that she entered the store with the intent to steal and intentionally used the pepper spray during her escape. She was arrested and charged with three counts of robbery with a weapon and one count of aggravated child abuse.

McDonald was arrested and transported to the Broward Main Jail and held without bond pending her first appearance.

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.