“The suspect poured a liquid substance on the counter then lit it on fire.” At a GAS STATION

1830 Rhode Island Ave, NE. Photo by PoPville flickr user kellybdc

From MPD:

“Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Fifth District and Arson Investigators from the D.C. Fire Department seek the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in reference to an Attempted Robbery of an Establishment and an Arson offense that occurred on Saturday, January 13, 2018, in the 1800 block of Rhode Island Avenue, Northeast.

At approximately 6:20 am, the suspect entered an establishment at the listed location. Once inside, the suspect demanded US currency. The employee refused. The suspect poured a liquid substance on the counter then lit it on fire. The suspect then fled the scene. No injuries were reported.

The suspect was captured by a surveillance camera and can be seen in the photo below:

Anyone who can identify this individual or who has knowledge of this incident should take no action but call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.”

#DCsBravest Fire investigators have determined that the gas station fire on Rhode Island Ave NE was incendiary in nature and associated with a robbery attempt. We are conducting a joint investigation with @DCPoliceDept. pic.twitter.com/Ct5MZcGEID

— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) January 13, 2018