Explosive Devices Detonated, Molotov Cocktails Thrown At Businesses In Washington, DC

Explosive devices were detonated and a Molotov cocktail-style object was thrown outside three businesses in Washington, D.C., early Sunday, police said.

The three incidents happened within a span of about 15 minutes in northeast Washington, DC, the Metropolitan Police Department said. There were no injuries, but there is damage at each location.

Police said the suspect is believed to have targeted businesses and not members of the public. Each of the businesses was closed at the time.

In the first incident, the suspect detonated a device on the sidewalk outside a Truist Bank ATM around 4:30 a.m. and then drove off, police said. Just six minutes later, the suspect detonated an explosive device on the sidewalk in front of a Nike store.

The suspect then threw a Molotov cocktail-style object at a Safeway around 4:45 a.m. before leaving again, officials said.

Police released a surveillance image of a suspect and the car they were looking for. The car is a gold or champagne Acura TL with a Maryland plate of 17971CK.

Police are searching for a suspect accused of detonating explosive devices and throwing a Molotov cocktail in Washington on July 2, 2023.

Metropolitan Police Department

Each of the targeted businesses is located at least one mile from the US Capitol building.

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating along with the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Police are offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone with information leading to an arrest and conviction. The ATF is also offering a $10,000 reward.

There may be more than one suspect in the case, police said.