A 12-year-old boy was arrested by the Washington Metropolitan Police Department in connection with an attempted carjacking on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred around 1:00 p.m. when a woman was driving her vehicle, and an individual approached her, demanding her car keys. The woman reported seeing what she believed to be a firearm tucked into the suspect’s waistband, prompting her concern.
According to reports by FOX News, the woman displayed remarkable courage by refusing to comply with the suspect’s demands. In response, the suspect thought to be the aforementioned 12-year-old boy, hastily fled the scene on foot. However, law enforcement officers swiftly responded to the situation, managing to apprehend the young boy as he attempted to escape. Disturbingly, it was revealed that he was armed at the time of his arrest.
The Washington Metropolitan Police Department has formally charged the minor with armed carjacking, as the suspect was allegedly wielding a firearm during the incident. Additionally, he faces charges of carrying a pistol without the necessary license, further underscoring the gravity of the situation.
JUST IN: We’ve learned a 12-year-old from Southeast, DC was arrested/charged yesterday for an armed carjacking midday at MLK Avenue and U Street.
The victim apparently refused to give up their vehicle keys, and the child ran off.
contd. pic.twitter.com/VUNmjlwygy
— Ben Dennis DC News Now (@broadcastben_) August 21, 2023
This incident comes against the backdrop of alarming crime statistics within the city. As reported by Breitbart News, Washington, D.C. has witnessed a distressing surge in homicides, with a 27-percent increase during the period from January 1, 2023, through August 16, 2023, in comparison to the same timeframe in the previous year. The rise in other criminal activities is equally troubling. Robbery rates have escalated by a staggering 63 percent from the corresponding period in the prior year, while auto theft has surged by an alarming 114 percent.
These concerning trends highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in curbing the rise of criminal activities in the city. As investigations continue into the incident involving the 12-year-old suspect, local authorities and communities are grappling with the complex task of addressing these issues and ensuring the safety and security of residents.