Robber splashes bleach in woman's face in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA - Police are searching for a robbery suspect who threw bleach in the face of a young woman at a beauty supply store, reports CBS Philly.

The crime took place on May 15 at S&J Beauty Supply in northeast Philadelphia, according to the station. The unidentified victim was in the country from Africa visiting relatives. Authorities recently released surveillance footage and are now asking for the public's help in finding the suspect.

The woman was looking after her aunt's store when two robbers - one male, one female - walked in and acted like they were simply checking out some items, CBS Philly reports. The pair left and returned to the store three times. The final time, while pretending to purchase an item, the male suspect doused the woman with bleach.

"I opened the cash register and all I could remember was the guy throwing bleach in my eyes," the victim told the station. She said she is now "really frightened and scared" to go outside.

The alleged female accomplice was taken into custody shortly after the attack, the station reports. The male suspect is still on the loose. He apparently made off with about $100.

Even now, a month and a half later, the young woman says she still suffers from blurred vision and finds it painful to close her eyes.

The woman's aunt told CBS Philly, "She couldn't see a thing. She was crying. Her eyes were so red."

Her eyes are expected to heal eventually, but her confidence remains shaken. "I'm just scared for now," the victim said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Philadelphia Police.