An employee of a Pret A Manger in downtown D.C. was struck by a firearm during an attempted robbery, police said.
The incident occurred about 8 p.m. Wednesday in the 1800 block of L Street NW, as the establishment was closing and there was one customer.
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Three suspects went into the eatery, produced a weapon and announced a robbery. An employee was physically struck with a firearm, which discharged into the store, D.C. police Chief Cathy Lanier said. The victim, who was not shot, was taken to a hospital and has been released.
Police put out a lookout for the male suspects, who were each wearing a white button-down shirt with a burgundy stripe, dark-colored pants and black shoes. Later that night, officers stopped 19-year-old Elijah Warren in the 3000 block of Stanton Road SE. He was wearing some of the same clothing that was mentioned in the lookout and was “in possession of a distinct firearm,” Lanier said.
Warren, of Upper Marlboro, has been arrested for assault with intent to rob while armed. The other two suspects have not yet been arrested.
There has been a 9-percent increase in robberies in the District this year, Lanier said.
