By Cody Mello-Klein | [email protected]

Officials are investigating a potential firebombing that occurred on Monday around 4:30 p.m. at the 7-Eleven located at 2 S. Jordan St.

While police and fire officials have yet to specify the cause of the fire, radio reports indicated that law enforcement were searching for multiple male suspects who tossed Molotov cocktails into the convenience store.

According to Raytevia Evans, the public information officer for the Alexandria Fire Department, at 4:30 p.m. on Monday fire department units were dispatched to a report of a fire at the 7-Eleven located at South Jordan Street near Duke Street. Firefighters arrived at the store with smoke already showing.

“Fire extended to the area between the store roof and rain roof on the exterior of the store. First responders worked quickly to extinguish the fire. There was no extension to other units in the strip,” Evans said.

AFD evaluated an adult store clerk for injuries but found none, and no first responders were injured as a result of this incident. According to Evans, the case is under investigation by both the Alexandria Police Department and Fire Marshal’s Office. APD did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.

Meanwhile, officials in Prince George’s County are investigating similar cases that occurred in Camp Springs and Temple Hills, Maryland last year and Forestville, Maryland this year on New Year’s Day. All these incidents occurred at 7-Eleven convenience stores and several involved homemade incendiaries. Those cases are still under investigation and officials have not yet confirmed whether they are connected.