The spree of shocking robberies that have kept convenience store workers on their toes has recently taken a turn toward resolution. As detailed by the Metropolitan Police Department, the suspect behind a series of brazen fire extinguisher attacks and thefts has been identified. 42-year-old Raham Barnes is accused of having terrorized several shops in both Northwest and Northeast Washington, D.C.

Detectives, part of the MPD's Carjacking Task Force, worked relentlessly to piece together the evidence that would eventually point to Barnes. A D.C. Superior Court arrest warrant was finally issued for him on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, as confirmed by the Metropolitan Police Department's newsroom. Even though he is already in custody in Prince George’s County, Maryland for unrelated crimes, Barnes is set to be extradited to the nation’s capital, to directly face the music for his string of alleged crimes.

The startling crime wave began in the early hours of April 15, when Barnes reportedly stormed into a convenience store on Hawaii Avenue, brandishing a fire extinguisher. According to the police report, he sprayed the clerk without any hesitation and then made off with the cash register and other items. More incidents followed, striking on April 17, April 18, and April 23 – all following a similar modus operandi, where unsuspecting employees were assaulted with a fire extinguisher before Barnes allegedly took what he came for.

An MPD press release reveals that these robberies are believed to be connected, sharing not only the same alarmingly aggressive method but also the signature move of stealing cash registers. With the warrant for Barnes' arrest, police are now seeking to bring what they consider closure to drive to restore some semblance of safety for the community and small business owners reeling from such shocking violence. Barnes will soon enough begin to navigate through the extradition process back to D.C., where he will be formally charged with the offenses.