The Metropolitan Police Department has reported the arrest of a 58-year-old man, identified as Gary Thomas of Southeast, DC, in connection with a series of thefts from a CVS Store in Northwest and an incident of unlawful entry, along with assaulting an officer during his arrest, as per a statement they released.
Police responded to a call on Monday around 6:42 p.m. on the 1000 block of 16th Street after Thomas allegedly made an unlawful entry into the premises and then fled, the authorities managed to locate and detain him later at the intersection of 17th Street and K Street where the altercation with the officer took place. The statement details that along with the charges of unlawful entry and assaulting an officer, Thomas is also being accused of second-degree theft related to several incidents where he purportedly entered the CVS Store, stole items and then escaped the scene.
These theft offenses span a period beginning Friday, June 13, with multiple occurrences throughout June and July, culminating in the incident that led to his arrest. Specific case numbers related to these thefts (CCN: 25088636, 25092994, 25094664, 25095272, 25095855, 25087318, 25090672, 25091240, and 25114065) were listed, illustrating the extent of Thomas's alleged activities.
This arrest brings attention to a series of crimes within the business district, as theft incidents seemingly persisted over a month’s time before law enforcement was able to make an arrest, with the suspect being implicated in multiple offenses which is concerning for both the police force and local businesses to assure the sense of security speaks volumes about the challenges facing MPD in managing consistent retail theft within the precinct.
