Washington D.C. – A search is underway for the person who targeted multiple businesses in Northeast Washington, D.C., with explosive devices and a ‘Molotov cocktail style object.’
The attacks happened just minutes apart at Truist Bank, Nike store, and a Safeway grocery in ‘The District’ overnight, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.
Police are seeking the help of the public to help nab the suspect and the department is offering a reward of up to $20,000.
There was damage at each site but no injuries were reported.
The first incident happened at 4:30 a.m. Sunday morning when someone detonated an explosive device on the sidewalk outside the ATM at the Truist Bank on Washington Place NE and then fled the scene in a vehicle, MPD said.
Just minutes later, at approximately 4:36 a.m., the suspect detonated an explosive device on the sidewalk in front of the doors at the Nike Store on H Street.
The third offense happened at 4:45 a.m. when this time, the suspect threw a Molotov cocktail at the Safeway on 40th Street before fleeing.
Metropolitan police said that in all three incidents, it appears the suspect targeted commercial establishments but it did not appear the suspect targeted any members of the public.
No motive has been released in the attack, and police have not released a suspect description.
In a statement, MPD said: “It does not appear the suspect was targeting any members of the public. The establishments were closed at the time of the offenses. There were no reported injuries as a result of these offenses.”
Following, is a statement from DC Police:
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division seek the public’s assistance in identifying suspects and a vehicle in reference to Destruction of Property offenses that occurred on Sunday, July 2, 2023, in the District.
Anyone who may have any information about these incidents, including video or photos from any of the locations, is encouraged to call MPD at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.
The 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, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington Field Division, is offering an additional $10,000 – bringing the total possible reward amount in this case up to $20,000.
