Thieves snatched 27 rings from a jewelry store in Pentagon City mall in a brazen pre-Valentine's Day heist.
At about 11 a.m., when the mall was open and shoppers were nearby, four thieves - armed with hammers - smashed a jewelry case at a Zales jewelry store to grab the rings.
The rings featured various gemstones and were valued at $128,000.
Loot in hand, the thieves fled to the parking structure and drove away in a red sedan, reported News4's Jackie Bensen.
No store or mall employees were injured, though they were shaken up, authorities said.
Police believe the crime was captured by the store's security cameras. They are waiting for a corporate employee to assist in retrieving that video.
Stay with NBCWashington and News4 for more on this developing story.