D.C. Police Arrest Suspect After Armed Pharmacy Robbery Ends in Crash and Foot Chase
- DC News Desk
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
WASHINGTON — An armed robbery at a Northwest Washington pharmacy ended with a vehicle crash, a foot pursuit and the arrest of a 25-year-old D.C. man, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.
Police said officers were called to a pharmacy in the 1700 block of 11th Street NW at approximately 6:22 p.m. Friday, August 21, following a report of an armed robbery.
Investigators said a masked man entered the business and demanded prescription medications. The suspect allegedly jumped over the pharmacy counter, made additional demands while displaying a firearm and then fled in a vehicle with stolen prescription drugs.
The escape was short-lived.
Responding officers later located the suspect after the vehicle crashed. Police said the man then fled on foot in the 1500 block of North Capitol Street NW before officers took him into custody. Authorities said a firearm and prescription drugs were recovered during the incident.
Police identified the arrested man as Jamari Brighthaupt, 25, of Southeast Washington.
MPD said Brighthaupt faces numerous charges, including robbery while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, resisting arrest and additional weapons and traffic-related offenses.
Police reported that no bystanders or occupants of other vehicles were injured in connection with the crash.
The case highlights the continued challenge faced by pharmacies and other retail businesses dealing with robberies involving controlled medications, particularly when firearms are introduced into encounters involving employees and customers.
The arrest also came after a rapid sequence of events that moved from a Northwest Washington business to a crash scene and ultimately a police pursuit on foot.
Authorities have not indicated that additional suspects are being sought in connection with the robbery.
Brighthaupt has been charged but has not been convicted of the offenses. As in all criminal cases, he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
