WASHINGTON — Police are investigating after three middle school students were robbed of their shoes while on school grounds Friday.
A police report says the Metropolitan Police Department officers were called to Eliot-Hines Middle School at 1830 Constitution Avenue Northeast for a robbery. Police say the robbery happened around 4 p.m. on Feb. 17.
An officer conducted interviews of the students involved. The investigation found that three men got out of a red Kia while a fourth man stayed in the car. The three men demanded sneakers from the students.
The students surrendered their shoes, and the men went back to their car and drove off toward 16th Street Northeast. Police say it is unclear if the suspects displayed a weapon during the robbery, but a letter sent home to parents said firearms were brandished.
Principal Marlene Magrino sent the letter home.
"I recognize this is a distressing and frightening event. Coping with the effects of neighborhood violence and conflict is a challenging experience for students, and we want to support our community when such events occur," Magrino said. "Please be assured the safety of our students is always paramount."
DC Public Schools offered a similar statement:
"DC Public Schools’ top priority is the safety and well-being of our students and staff. Following Friday’s dismissal, several students were approached outside of Eliot-Hine Middle School, and unknown individuals used the threat of violence to take their personal belongings. We recognize the distress of this incident, and DCPS’ school-based mental health teams are prepared to support our students and families during this time. The security and operations teams of the involved schools are fully cooperating with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) while we work with our agency and community partners to assess additional security measures and ensure our students’ safety on school property and during their commutes."
Police have not yet made any arrests in this case.
Anyone who may have information should contact police at 202-727-9099 or text the department's tip line at 50411.
Police are searching for more than a dozen people who participated in a brazen Chanel store theft in Northwest D.C. According to a police report, 15 people, all in masks and hoods, stole handbags and other merchandise from the store using a fire extinguisher as a distraction.