Vicksburg Police seek help from the public in identifying two women involved with a shoplifting incident at a Vicksburg department store Saturday night, one of whom allegedly sprayed a security guard with pepper spray, allowing the two to make their escape.

VPD Capt. Sandra Williams said the incident occurred at Dillard’s in the Vicksburg Mall. The security officer who received the pepper spray is a Vicksburg Police Department officer, who was working part-time at the store.

Williams said the two women entered the store at about 8 p.m. Saturday. Moments later, one of the females left the store without paying for a comforter set and a blanket, both valued at $277.

Williams said the officer approached the suspect and asked her to return to the store. Once inside, the suspect sprayed the officer with pepper spray and was able to get away. The merchandise was recovered, Williams said.

Vicksburg Police are asking for help identifying both women. The second female is believed to have been involved in the shoplifting, Williams said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 601-355-TIPS or 601-355-8477.