7 kids, ages 5 to 14, wanted for robbery near Pentagon City Mall: police

ARLINGTON, Va. - Arlington police say they’re searching for seven kids — one reportedly as young as five years old — allegedly involved in a robbery near Pentagon City Mall. 

According to police, the kids targeted a CVS store right across the street from the mall. They say they are looking for five young girls and one teenage boy between the ages of 12-14, and another little boy who is just five or six years old. 

What Happened? 

Eye Witness Account:

FOX 5 spoke to an employee who witnessed it all.

"It’s shocking it’s not right these kids are doing this," CVS employee Jerrell said. 

He’s been working at the CVS on South Hayes Street in Pentagon City for years but around 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, he was taken aback when the group of kids entered the store and robbed it. 

"There were a bunch of kids," he said. "[They] bum rushed the door trying to get out and escape. They just hit the employee that was working there, bum rushed her. Got out the building."

According to Arlington County police, the group of seven kids stole a number of items, from food to cosmetics and more — all with no adults or parents around. 

"They were just being loud and disrespectful, taking what they want," Jerrell told FOX 5. 

An employee was pushed and shoved as she was trying to prevent the suspects from running out. Police say one kid even threw a drink at the employee before they all fled on foot. 

Growing Concerns

Local perspective:

"It’s very unsettling, not something I’ve seen happen often," said David Mitchell, who lives above the CVS. "I know there was an incident at the mall but for the most part this area is very safe."

Just in the past year FOX 5 has covered a series of brazen thefts committed by young people, leaving shelves empty at CVS locations from Bethesda to D.C. and forcing some locations to close their doors for good. 

"It’s pretty shocking, kids that young. Seems like they need to find some direction or older mentors," said John Tate, who lives in D.C.

For employees like Jerrell, it makes coming to work that much more difficult. 

"At CVS they’re worried about their employees safety," he told FOX 5. "I feel over the years it’s getting worse. Becoming more common in people are stealing." 

Latest From Police

What we know:

No arrests have been made and no suspects have been identified. 

Whether or not the five-year-old was actually involved or a sibling that was tagging along is all part of the investigation. 

Police say if caught, the children will face robbery charges. It's unclear if their parents would face any punishment. That will be determined at a later time.

Police are asking anyone with information to call them.