Sgt. Brett Parson, head of the Washington Metropolitan Police Department's special liaison units, including the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit (GLLU), and the Human Rights Campaign have confirmed a report that the HRC Corner Store and Action Center at 1633 Connecticut Ave. NW was robbed around 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18. An unnamed 23-year-old male working in the store was assaulted during the robbery, which netted approximately $400.
Parson says the victim was pistol-whipped, suffering cuts and bruises to head, for which he was treated and released.
Parson described the suspect as a black male in his mid 20s to early 30s, about 5'4'', 135 pounds, with a light complexion, clean-shaven, with minor acne scars on his chin. At the time of the robbery, the assailant was wearing a dark-green knit hat; a long, puffy black coat; black dress pants; and a tie. The weapon is listed as a ''brown, snub-nose revolver.''
''There is no evidence at this time that this was a hate/bias crime, but that doesn't mean we wouldn't explore the possibility if other evidence develops,'' Parson said Jan.29.
According to a spokesperson for HRC, this is the first time any of the GLBT organization's three stores -- the others being in Provincetown, Mass., and San Francisco -- have been robbed. The spokesperson added that HRC has no reason to believe this robbery was a targeted hate crime.
Anyone who may have spotted the suspect should call the WMPD immediately at 911. Less urgent information may be given to the GLLU at 202-727-5427.
