Three DC businesses hit with explosive devices, Molotov cocktail

Washington, D.C., authorities said three local businesses were hit with explosive devices and a Molotov cocktail Sunday. 

In a news release, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said the suspected attacks happened within a 15-minute span in the Northeast section of the city. 

At approximately 4:30 a.m., the suspect detonated an explosive device on the sidewalk outside the ATM of a Truist Bank, causing damage at the location, authorities said. 

Six minutes later, authorities said the suspect detonated an explosive device on the sidewalk in front of the doors at the Nike Store, causing damage to that location. 

Approximately nine minutes later, the suspect threw a Molotov cocktail-style object at the Safeway store, again caused damage. 

In all three of the attacks, the suspect fled the scenes in a vehicle. The vehicle was described as an gold/champagne Acura TL with a Maryland license plate. 

“In each of these offenses, it appears the suspect targeted commercial establishments and it does not appear the suspect was targeting any members of the public. The establishments were closed at the time of the offenses,” MPD said in its news release, adding that no injuries were reported in those incidents. 

The MPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division are offering up to $20,000 for anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the incidents.