Bizarre video shows DC thief threaten shoe shop staff with knife for stopping theft
WASHINGTON DC: The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of Washington DC is on the hunt for a Black man after a bizarre theft attempt at a Shoe City on Brentwood Avenue. The man was reportedly stopped by employees from getting away with several items, only to return minutes later with a knife, smash the glass door and chase one employee around the store. The strange attempt was recorded on video and released by the MPD on September 2 but occurred on August 19.
The attempted theft is part of a large string of robberies that are occurring all over the US. As we previously reported, on July 21, two men were recorded strolling out of a TJ Maxx in Los Angeles with stolen goods as no one made an attempt to stop them. Days earlier, a man robbed a Bath and Body Works store in Miami, by spraying everyone with bear repellent. Back in March 2020, we reported on a 'Money Heist' style robbery at a jewelry store in India, complete with a mask, walkie-talkie and even a professor.
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While the last incident didn't leave anyone injured, that's far from the case in the DC robbery. Reportedly one employee of the store had to be treated for minor injuries. The thief meanwhile, is at large. The MPD has released the footage in hopes that he will be identified by the public.
Knife-wielding robber halted
On August 19, a man is seen walking around the Shoe City store at around 5 pm. He then attempts to run out of the store with a bundle of items, including shorts and a pair of shoes. He is, however, stopped just outside the store, reportedly by an employee. After a brief struggle, the employee manages to take back all the items and the man flees to his car. He returns moments later, armed with a knife as two employees can be seen holding the door closed, preventing him from entering again.
The employees appear to have locked the door, which leads the man to begin kicking the glass door, as the employees back away. A few kicks in, he manages to shatter the glass and walks back into the store. Fox 5 DC reported that the man then chased one employee around the store briefly, before running away. Footage from outside the store shows the man running towards a red sedan, and driving away.
The individual is believed to be the only person involved in the theft, with the MPD listing him as the sole person of interest. Anyone with knowledge of the man or any relevant information is urged to call (202) 727-9099, or text the tip line at 50411. Any tips that lead to an arrest are eligible for up to $10,000. As of September 2, 2021, Washington DC has recorded 669 burglaries (compared to 805 on the same date in 2020), and 6,806 cases of theft (from 7,257 in 2020). While rates are down compared to last year, the larger trend shows cases of crime slowly creeping upwards, as is the case in most parts of the US.