Metro DC Police searches for suspect who threw explosives at Nike store, Truist Bank, Safeway in NE DC
Washington DC July 3, 2023 Police are searching for the person who hurled explosives at several Northeast D.C. businesses mere minutes apart early Sunday morning, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Around 4:30 a.m., someone detonated an explosive device on the sidewalk outside of the ATM at the Truist Bank in the 2300 block of Washington Place NE before fleeing the area in a vehicle, MPD said. Damage was reported at the location.
Six minutes later, someone detonated a second explosive device on the sidewalk in front of the Nike store in the 700 block of H Street NE before again fleeing in a vehicle, police said. Damages were reported.
Then, at 4:45 a.m., authorities said a person threw a Molotov cocktail-style object at the Safeway located in the 300 block of 40th Street, NE then fled the scene in a vehicle, again causing damage.
In each of these incidents, police said it appears the suspect targeted businesses and not individual people. There were no reported injuries.
Police released surveillance photos of the suspect and the suspect car, described as a gold/champagne color Acura TL with a Maryland plate: 17971CK.
Police released surveillance photos of the suspect and the suspect car, described as a gold/champagne color Acura TL with a Maryland plate: 17971CK. (MPD)
Detectives from MPD’s Criminal Investigations Division and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division (ATF Washington) are asking for help in identifying suspects and a vehicle.
Anyone who may have any information about these incidents, including video or photos, is encouraged to call MPD at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.
MPD currently offers a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for these offenses.
In partnership with MPD, ATF Washington is also offering an additional $10,000, bringing the total possible reward amount in this case up to $20,000.
