ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A coordinated investigation led to the arrest of three suspects in connection with a multi-jurisdiction organized retail theft ring that targeted Ulta Beauty stores across Maryland and Northern Virginia, causing over $190,000 in losses — including more than $107,000 in Anne Arundel County alone.
Authorities say the suspects — Damari Darrell Cousar, 21, and Rasaan Carlos Washington, 28, both of Washington, D.C., along with a 17-year-old male — are responsible for at least nine high-value thefts in Anne Arundel dating back to August 2024. The group allegedly used stolen vehicles, wore masks and gloves, and employed smash-and-grab tactics using heavy-duty tools to make off with luxury fragrances and hair products.
Their arrest came on March 24, 2025 when Anne Arundel County Police, acting on a tip from Fairfax County’s Real-Time Crime Center and license plate reader alerts, tracked a suspect vehicle to a garage at the Annapolis Mall. Officers with the Southern District’s Platoon Team Three, supported by K9 and aviation units, took all three suspects into custody without incident.
“It was a coordinated, rapid event,” said Captain Scott Melair, commander of the Southern District. “Once we got the notification [from Fairfax], we swarmed the area, found the car, set up on it, and made the arrest. It was a great effort and a great collaborative work that we’ve had here.”
Anne Arundel County detectives linked the crew to a string of Ulta thefts at locations in Annapolis (Solomons Island Road), Gambrills (South Main Chapel Way), and Pasadena (Ritchie Highway). The most significant heist occurred on Feb. 27 in Gambrills, where more than $30,000 in merchandise was stolen in a single incident. Another $28,135 in fragrances was taken from the Annapolis Ulta on March 3.
“This crew escalated over time,” said Deputy Chief Greg Fried of Fairfax County Police. “They went from stealing unsecured items to using hammers to smash display cases — all while families were shopping. These are not victimless crimes.”
The investigation began in earnest after multiple jurisdictions reported similar patterns: groups entering stores wearing dark clothing, grabbing luxury merchandise, and fleeing before police arrived. The crew exploited jurisdictional boundaries and highway access to evade detection — but regional collaboration made it possible to stop them, officials said.
“Regional crime crews used to enjoy the ability to cross state lines and county borders to commit their crimes,” Melair said. “With today’s technology and our regional network, that ends now.”
Both adult suspects are being held without bond at the Jennifer Road Detention Center in Annapolis. Cousar is charged with motor vehicle theft in Anne Arundel County, armed robbery in Montgomery County, and grand larceny in Prince William and Fairfax counties. Washington faces charges of motor vehicle theft, felony destruction, conspiracy to commit larceny, and grand larceny, in addition to multiple failure-to-appear warrants.
The 17-year-old suspect, whose name has not been released, was charged in Anne Arundel County with rogue and vagabond, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, and unlawful removal of a motor vehicle.
Police say more charges are likely as detectives work to connect the suspects to additional thefts.
“These people were odds makers,” said Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis. “They planned out their hits, made business decisions, and counted on law enforcement not being able to coordinate. But the world around them has gotten much smaller.”
Police also warned residents about unknowingly purchasing stolen goods, particularly luxury items being sold at steep discounts.
“If a deal sounds too good to be true, it is — especially when it’s being offered from someone’s trunk in a parking lot,” Davis said. “You’re probably interacting with a thief trying to sell stolen merchandise.”
Anne Arundel Police continue to ask for the public’s help. Anyone with information is urged to call detectives at 410-222-1960 or submit anonymous tips via the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-877-752-7463.
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