WASHINGTON — D.C. police have arrested two juveniles in the assault and robbery of a decorated Marine outside of a Downtown McDonald’s.
A 17-year-old boy, of Northwest D.C., was arrested Monday and charged with aggravated assault. A 17-year-old girl, also of Northwest, was charged with robbery.
Surveillance video shows the boy sucker-punch Christopher Marquez in the back of the head as he left the E Street McDonald’s on Feb. 12. The teenage girl took Marquez’s wallet, which contained a student identification card, credit cards and cash from Marquez’s pocket, according to a police statement.
Police say a third suspect, who has not been arrested, also took part in the assault.
Marquez told police he was sitting by himself, eating a meal in the restaurant, when a group of at least four teenagers or young adults gathered around his table.
He said the group loudly asked if he believes that “black lives matter” and called him racist when he ignored their comments.
The silent police video, posted on YouTube, made no mention of racial motivation. Instead, it refers to the incident as “aggravated assault and robbery (pickpocket).”
Marquez was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions in Fallujah, Iraq, in 2004, in which he risked his life to drag his wounded team leader away from enemy fire, according to the Department of Defense.
