WASHINGTON, D.C. – A store in Northeast D.C.’s Hechinger Mall was left damaged and in disarray Friday night after a group of teenagers allegedly stole merchandise and vandalized the property, according to police.
Incident Details
Police say the incident occurred just before 11:45 p.m. at a store on Benning Road NE near Maryland Avenue. A large group of teens reportedly entered the business, taking multiple items and tossing others outside onto the pavement.
At one point, an employee attempted to lock the store’s door to prevent further theft. However, the group allegedly forced it back open, damaging the door in the process.
Injuries and Damage
One store employee sustained minor injuries during the incident, though police have not provided details about how the injuries occurred. Cleanup efforts began shortly after, as staff worked to restore the store and secure the premises.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not announced any arrests, and the case remains under active investigation. Police have not confirmed whether surveillance footage captured the incident or whether the group is linked to any similar events in the area.
The Hechinger Mall, a longtime shopping center in the Kingman Park neighborhood, has seen an uptick in police presence in recent years amid community concerns about crime in the area.
Anyone with information about Friday night’s incident is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police Department.
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