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Police arrest man for Chanel robbery where suspects use fire extinguishers as distraction

The robbery made headlines in 2023 because the robbers used fire extinguishers as a distraction.

WASHINGTON — A D.C. man is facing charges after police connected him to the flash robbery of a Chanel store that happened late last year. 

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the robbers walked into the Chanel store on I Street, Northwest around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 17. 

The robbery made headlines in 2023 because the robbers used fire extinguishers as a distraction, spraying chemical foam around the store and hitting a Special Police Officer, while others in the group took merchandise from the store. 

Additionally, this was the second time this tactic had been used to steal from the same Chanel store that year. In February 2023, police say 15 masked people stole handbags and other merchandise. Chanel handbags can retail for hundreds to thousands of dollars a piece. 

Months later, the U.S. Marshal’s Service Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested 18-year-old Romello Marquez, of Northeast, D.C. in connection to the robbery. He has been charged with attempt to commit robbery while armed. 

Anyone with information may contact detectives at (202) 727-9099 or text the department's tip line at 50411. The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a crime committed in the District of Columbia.

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