A tragic turn of events unfolded in the heart of Washington D.C.’s Judiciary Square when a female carjacker crashed a stolen vehicle into a building. The vehicle, according to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), contained an elderly woman who lost her life due to injuries sustained from the crash.
The Incident Unravels
Just before quarter to two in the afternoon near MedStar Washington Hospital Center, an SUV was reported stolen. Disturbingly, the vehicle’s owner’s mother was reportedly still inside when the theft occurred. The carjacking occasion took place roughly three miles away from the ultimate crash site, adjacent to the D.C. U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Pursuit and Crash Scene
The suspect, subsequently identified as a woman, was reported to have lost control of the stolen vehicle, resulting in a devastating collision with a building within Judiciary Square. Images captured at the scene highlight a significantly damaged white SUV, and debris from both the vehicle and building was scattered across the scene. Law enforcement highlighted that the vehicle crashed into a solid concrete barrier outside the building.
Suspect Apprehended
Upon attending the crash scene, an officer encountered the suspect attempting to evade capture. However, the swift action by the MPD resulted in the suspect’s capture, preventing her from escaping the scene.
Victim Pronounced Dead
The elderly woman trapped inside the stolen vehicle was rushed to the hospital in critical, life-threatening condition. Tragically, police disclosed that she later succumbed to her injuries. Medical reports indicate that she reportedly suffered cardiac arrest. Her identity, similar to the suspect’s, remains undisclosed as the police investigation continues.
A String of Carjackings
This unfortunate incident adds to the disconcerting crime statistics of Washington D.C., which has seen a sharp increase in carjacking cases in 2023. While there has been a downtick in the first half of the year, most arrestees for carjacking have been identified as juveniles aged between 14-17.
Reaction From Public Safety Officials
During a subsequent news conference, Darnel Robinson, MPD’s Assistant Chief, dubbed this crime a “tragic event”. Echoing the sentiment felt by many, he extended his condolences to the bereaved family.
“It’s unclear what charges the suspect will face,” he added, suggesting that the circumstances around the carjacking remain complex. Police are investigating whether there was a known relationship between the suspect and the victim.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the escalating car theft issue in D.C. The community is patiently awaiting the completion of the investigation and the serving of justice to the responsible party.