2 accused of shoplifting from downtown Publix, pepper-spraying employee arrested

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Two people accused of shoplifting and pepper-spraying an employee at a downtown Charleston grocery store have been arrested, police say.

Detectives with the Charleston Police Department (CPD) began searching for two individuals accused of stealing from a Publix located at 10 West Edge Street earlier this month.

A spokesman for the agency said the pair attempted to shoplift items from the store, but they were confronted by an employee – but the two pepper-sprayed the worker and then ran from the store with the stolen merchandise.

The two individuals were later identified after authorities received several tips from the community.

Da Nautica De Naisha De Saussure, 24, of North Charleston and Carlexis Maria Scott, 24, of Charleston are each charged with strong arm robbery.