Some shoppers at Midtown Plaza last night suffered the unpleasant experience of being doused with bear spray.

Saskatoon Police responded to a shopping centre in the 200 block of 2nd Avenue South around 7:30 p.m. to a report of several people suffering the effects of bear spray.

Police say a person believed to be shoplifting was approached by security and the would-be thief then deployed bear spray in their attempt to flee.

A 31-year-old woman is charged with Assault with a Weapon, Robbery, Possession of a Dangerous Weapon and Carrying a Concealed Weapon.