3 suspects arrested for string of smash-and-grab retail thefts across DMV; an estimated loss of $190,000
Anne Arundel County Police arrested three suspects who they say are involved in an organized crime ring responsible for several smash-and-grab style retail thefts.
Police say the suspects targeted luxury fragrances at Ulta stores across multiple jurisdictions, resulting in a 6-figure estimated loss of $190,000
About $107,000 of that is from thefts that took place in Anne Arundel County, including the Ulta at the Harbor Center, which was hit five times since August.
Surveillance video obtained by WJZ shows three suspects smashing the display cases in an Ulta store, stealing high-end fragrances.
Police say that starting back in August of 2024, the suspects would use a hammer in these smash-and-grab thefts at more than 15 stores throughout the DMV.
"While people, in broad daylight, are in there shopping with their families, they would go in with tools like this and smash out glass cases, startling everybody in the store," Deputy Chief Gregory Fried of Fairfax County Police Department said.
Investigators say a recent theft involved a firearm.
"One of the offenders involved lifted his waist and showed that he had a firearm, so it shows the escalation of violence that they were going to," Deputy Fried added.
Annapolis, Gambrills, and Pasadena
In Anne Arundel County, police say the suspects hit the Ulta stores in Annapolis, Gambrills and Pasadena as well as the Dicks Sporting Goods in Annapolis.
"You just never think that it would be near you," an Annapolis resident said.
Anne Arundel County Police worked with investigators in Fairfax, Prince William, and Montgomery Counties, as well as Fairfax City, to identify the cars used in the thefts.
On Monday, detectives traced one of those cars to the Annapolis Mall, tracking down the suspects and taking them into custody.
Anne Arundel County Police arrested and charged 21-year-old Damari Darrell Cousar, 28-year-old Rasaan Carlos Washington, both of Washington D.C., plus a 17-year-old male.
The adult suspects are being held at the Jennifer Road Detention Center without bond.
Information about the teen suspect is sealed because he is a minor.
Meantime, as the investigation into these crimes continues, anyone with information should contact Anne Arundel County or Fairfax County Police.