Mall near Pentagon went on lock-down, with high-level US officials inside, after smash-and-grab robbery: report

A Sunday robbery at mall near the Pentagon in Arlington occurred while a top government official was reportedly on the scene. After evacuating the building, police locked down the mall, according to the Daily Mail.

Reporter Steve Brusk posted: “Images from inside the Pentagon City Mall in Arlington, VA. There is a large police presence after reports of shots fired. It appears to be a smash and grab incident. No indications of injuries. Mall has been evacuated.”

Arlington County police were seeking three assailants who broke a glass display case at the Fashion Centre, located inside the mall. The three used hammers a fire extinguisher to enter and rob the establishment.

The suspects apparently grabbed some merchandise and escaped on foot, according to the outlet. After evacuating the mall, police ordered a lockdown and a “high ranking government official” was reportedly inside the mall at the time of the robbery, the Mail reported.

Arlington County Police Department police posted: “"The investigation determined no shooting occurred. The incident is a robbery in which the three suspects entered a business, broke a glass display case with hammers and deployed a fire extinguisher. The suspects then fled the scene on foot."

"The robbery suspects are described as three black males in their teens wearing all black clothing. Police remain on scene investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call ACPD's Tip Line at 703-228-4180 or ACPDTipline@arlingtonva.us."

The news of the smash and grab comes as there have been other crimes in and around the DC area that have endangered congressional staffers and other government officials.