Location: 4000 block of Langston Boulevard, Arlington VA
Time: Approximately 2:29 p.m. on April 7
What began as a reported shoplifting incident escalated into a chaotic robbery and carjacking situation on Langston Boulevard.
Police say the suspect entered a business and appeared to be engaging with an employee about merchandise before suddenly grabbing items from the counter and attempting to leave without paying. When confronted outside, the suspect allegedly struggled with an employee.
The situation intensified when the suspect approached a second employee who had positioned their vehicle to block his escape. Authorities say the suspect forcibly removed the employee from the vehicle and stole their keys.
The suspect fled on foot before officers arrived, but in a surprising turn, he later returned to the scene. When police attempted to detain him, he resisted arrest before additional officers arrived to assist in taking him into custody.
No injuries were reported despite the violent nature of the encounter.
Reginald Carthen, 32, of Washington, D.C., was arrested and charged with robbery, carjacking, shoplifting, and obstruction of justice. He is currently being held without bond.