Staff

WUSA-TV, Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON -- Two teens have been arrested in connection to the assault and robbery of a veteran Marine sergeant, D.C. police said.

Police said one 17-year-old male and one 17-year-old female were involved in the attack. The male was charged with aggravated assault and the female was charged with robbery.

Christopher Marquez, a Bronze Star recipient, who served in the Marine Corps from 2003 to 2011, told police he was assaulted while eating at a McDonald's.

Marquez said he believes the February 12th attack was racially motivated.

“The kids were asking me if I think that black lives mattered,” Marquez told the Marine Corps Times. “I was ignoring them, just because I felt intimidated. I felt how they approached me, it was very hostile. I felt they were really trying to intimidate me and just trying to start a confrontation with me.”

Decorated Marine attacked by group of teens outside D.C. McDonald's

One of the suspects allegedly hit Marquez with a gun after calling him a racist, according to a police report.

The suspects took Marquez’ wallet, identification, credit cards, debit card and about $400 in cash, the report says.

Police say a third suspect was involved in the assault.

Contributing: The Marine Corps Times