DC Police arrest Northeast Whole Foods shooting suspect

DC police say they have arrested a man suspected for shooting a Whole Foods cashier during a robbery attempt on Sunday.

Police say they have arrested 28 year-old Michael Whatley Jr, of Southeast DC and charged him with Assault with Intent to Rob while Armed.

DC police said the shooting happened at the Whole Foods located in the 600 block of H Street Northeast before 11 a.m.

Investigators say the shooting happened during robbery attempt. DC Police Chief Peter Newsham said Whatley came up to the cashier while holding a gun and demanded money, when a struggle ensued.

Newsham attributes the actions of the cashier in preventing others from harm.

"The young man, I believe his actions were heroic today," said Newsham.

The weapon discharged and the cashier was shot twice before the suspect fled the scene in a red Honda Accord with DC plates that may have had a Zip Car sticker.

Officials said Sunday afternoon that the car had been located.

The cashier was reportedly taken to the hospital in stable condition.

Whole Foods issued a statement following the incident on Sunday:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with our team member at this time, and we're grateful for the first responders on the scene, including the Metropolitan Police Department and the DC Fire and EMS Department."