Police investigate security guard who fired shots in attempt to prevent DC Chanel store from being looted

Authorities are investigating a security guard who fired a shot from his gun in response to a robbery at a Chanel store in Washington DC on Sunday.

Investigators are trying to determine if the security guard's actions were justified, according to WUSA 9.

Shocking surveillance footage shows six brazen burglars storming into the luxury retail store around 5:30 pm on Sunday. One of the suspects wielded a fire extinguisher and sprayed employees as the robbers grabbed as much merchandise as they could before exiting the store.

As the fleeing thieves raced back outside carrying their stolen goods, an armed security guard employed by Chanel discharged a single round from his firearm. However, according to Second District Commander Tatjana Savoy of the Metropolitan Police Department, the bullet did not strike the thieves.

The six criminals jumped into a white sedan to make their escape.

Police said the group stole 99 purses, which amounts to $250,000 worth of stolen merchandise, according to Fox 5.

Commander Savoy said that none of the six suspects have been apprehended and are asking for the public to help identify them.

Savoy explained that the fire extinguisher was used "to distract employees to take merchandise."

The DC Police Department is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.