Metropolitan Police Department have put an end to a string of energy drink thefts across several CVS locations in Northwest Washington. A man accused of stealing more than $3,800 worth of merchandise, predominantly cans of Red Bull, has been taken into custody. Metropolitan Police Department announced the arrest of 58-year-old Darryl Lamond Quander, who was charged with 19 counts of Second-Degree Theft following a spate of retail thefts.
The arrest warrant from DC Superior Court led to Quander being apprehended on Monday, June 10. According to Metropolitan Police Department, the thefts started in February and stretched over the ensuing months, with Quander allegedly targeting the same few CVS stores multiple times. Directors of the affected stores have been cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation, trying to piece together just how much Red Bull and other items were spirited away.
The cumulative loss from these thefts is substantial, particularly considering the frequency and specificity of the items taken. Quander's alleged thefts, mostly targeting the high-caffeine beverage, included an incident on February 26 where $413 worth of Red Bull was taken from a CVS at the 1400 block of P Street, and another on April 24 where a further $258 worth of the energy drink was stolen from the same location. These represent just a few of the 19 separate occasions listed in Metropolitan Police Department's report.
Metropolitan Police Department has reiterated its dedication to preventing theft from local businesses, acknowledging their vital role in serving the community. "Metropolitan Police Department remains committed to preventing theft from establishments that are lifelines to our communities and will continue to hold offenders accountable," the department stated. While the monetary value of the stolen goods may seem significant, underlying these incidents often lies a tapestry of unaddressed social issues, including homelessness and addiction. The Metropolitan Police urge anyone who witnesses a retail theft to not directly intervene and instead call 911, ensuring the safety of both bystanders and potential perpetrators.
As the case progresses, Metropolitan Police Department's focus remains on safeguarding neighborhood stores and their patrons. With Quander currently facing the legal system, one might hope to see a decline in such thefts, though the broader issues underpinning these events remain pressing concerns for the community and law enforcement alike.
