A Bizarre Crime Spree Across the Capital
A Maryland man is facing multiple charges after being linked to a series of armed robberies in Washington, D.C., where he used a fire extinguisher as a weapon against store clerks. The suspect, Rahman Barnes, 42, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, allegedly carried out four separate robberies across the city, all within a span of less than ten days.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) launched an investigation into the unusual string of crimes. Their efforts led to a D.C. Superior Court issuing an arrest warrant on May 1, 2024. The robberies were marked by a disturbing pattern: Barnes would enter convenience stores, spray clerks with a fire extinguisher, and then make off with stolen cash.
Timeline of the Robberies
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April 15, 2024 – The first incident occurred at a convenience store on Hawaii Avenue NE. Barnes reportedly walked in, picked up a few items, then approached the counter. Without warning, he grabbed a fire extinguisher, sprayed the clerk, and stole money from the cash register.
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April 17, 2024 – Just two days later, Barnes struck again—this time at a store on 3rd Street NE. According to police, he sprayed the extinguisher at multiple individuals before stealing cash and fleeing the scene.
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April 18, 2024 – A third robbery took place at a convenience store on Columbia Road NW. Barnes once again used the same tactic: spraying a store employee before grabbing money from the register.
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April 23, 2024 – The final known incident happened on 14th Street NW, where Barnes repeated his method of attack—spraying a clerk with the extinguisher and taking money before escaping.
Unusual Weapon of Choice
While armed robberies are unfortunately not uncommon in major cities, Barnes’ choice of using a fire extinguisher as a weapon is highly unusual. Surveillance footage from at least one of the scenes shows him wielding the extinguisher as he confronts store employees.
The fire extinguisher not only served as a distraction but also as a temporary disabling tool, allowing Barnes to quickly access cash drawers without much resistance.
Already in Custody for Unrelated Offenses
At the time the warrant was issued, Barnes was already in custody in Prince George’s County, Maryland, for unrelated charges. Authorities coordinated his extradition to Washington, D.C., which took place earlier this week. He is now facing multiple charges related to the robberies, including assault and theft.
Ongoing Investigation
MPD has not ruled out the possibility that Barnes could be connected to other unsolved robberies in the area. Detectives continue to review surveillance footage and interview witnesses to determine if there are additional victims or locations impacted by his crime spree.
Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact MPD’s tip line to assist with the ongoing investigation.
A Reminder of Vigilance
This case serves as a reminder of the creative and sometimes bizarre lengths to which some criminals will go to commit robbery. While no serious injuries were reported during the incidents, the use of a fire extinguisher as a weapon posed a real threat to the store clerks and customers present.
As Barnes awaits further legal proceedings, D.C. authorities emphasize their continued commitment to ensuring public safety and holding offenders accountable—no matter how unconventional the crime.
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