A robber targeted a woman in Westminster on Christmas day but got pepper sprayed instead

An armed robber on a bicycle targeted a woman who was out walking on Christmas morning, in Westminster, but she turned the tables on him by pepper spraying the suspect, according to the Westminster Police Department.

The attempted armed robbery happened at the area of Bushard Street and England Avenue early on Sunday morning.

A man on a bicycle approached the woman and pointed a gun at her and then demanded that she give him her purse.

The woman had other ideas as she ended up using pepper spray on the robber rather than hand over her purse.

Fortunately the robber sped off instead of shooting his victim.

The responding police officers could not find the suspect and have requested help from the public. There are no videos or pictures of the suspect but he is said to be a man in his 30s, with a slim build, chiseled face and a pointy nose. He is 5 feet, 9 inches tall and was wearing a black beanie, black jacket with lettering, black pants and a backpack.

The bicycle was said to be teal-colored.

Anyone with information on can contact the Westminster Police at (714) 548-3767 or at (714) 548-3773.