Delaware State Police have taken a 28-year-old Wilmington resident into custody following an incident where she allegedly used pepper spray on two retail workers during an attempted theft at a local discount store.
Janaia Wright faces multiple charges including felony assault after the confrontation that occurred Sunday morning, May 17, 2026, around 10:30 a.m. at the Dollar Tree on Kirkwood Highway in Wilmington.
According to investigators, Wright concealed merchandise beneath two children who were sitting in a stroller and wagon, then tried to exit the store without making payment. Store staff confronted her about the theft attempt, prompting Wright to abandon the items and leave with the children.
Police say Wright came back to the business after discovering she had left her mobile phone behind during her initial departure. When she returned, Wright allegedly approached two workers and sprayed them with pepper spray before running from the scene. During her exit, she toppled a product display, damaging store inventory.
Emergency responders treated one employee at the location for injuries that were not considered life-threatening, while the second worker declined medical attention.
Officers located Wright outside the business and placed her under arrest. She was processed at Troop 6 and later appeared before Justice of the Peace Court 11, where she received a $5,600 unsecured bond.
Wright’s charges include:
• Assault Second Degree with a Disabling Chemical Spray (Felony) – 2 counts
• Shoplifting Under $1,500
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 2 counts
• Criminal Mischief Under $1,000
