A senior citizen tragically died after a woman stole an SUV at MedStar Washington Hospital Center on Monday afternoon and crashed into a building in downtown Washington, D.C., NBC4 Washington police report. The senior was inside the SUV when the thief commandeered it and drove away.
The victim’s name has not yet been released.
Metropolitan Police Department Assistant Chief Darnel Robinson described the incident as a “tragic event” during a news conference. “Our condolences are with the family at this time,” he stated.
According to police, the senior and her adult child had just arrived at MedStar Washington Hospital Center when the car thief jumped into their SUV and sped off with the senior still inside. The carjacking occurred in the 100 block of Irving Street at around 1:15 p.m.
The thief then drove the stolen vehicle nearly three miles south before crashing into a building at the intersection of 6th and D streets NW, close to the DC Court of Appeals. from ABC News
News footage from the scene shows the white SUV with significant front-end damage, surrounded by crumbled building materials and car parts scattered on the ground. An officer who witnessed the crash immediately responded, apprehending the driver as she tried to flee the scene, Robinson reported. The suspect’s name has not been disclosed yet.
The senior, critically injured in the crash, was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Police are collaborating with prosecutors to determine the charges against the suspect.
Carjackings in Washington, D.C. more than doubled in 2023. Although 2024 has seen a 33% decrease in carjackings compared to the same period last year, the Metropolitan Police Department data reveals alarming trends: 69% of carjackings involve firearms, 68% involve juveniles, and 90% of those arrested for carjackings are D.C. residents.
This latest incident underscores the ongoing carjacking crisis in the city and the devastating impact such crimes can have on victims and their families.
In addition to the immediate investigation and legal proceedings, city officials and community leaders are expected to hold discussions on how to further address and mitigate the spike in violent car thefts. Public safety campaigns and increased police patrols in high-risk areas are among the measures being considered to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Assistant Chief Robinson emphasized the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement to combat the surge in carjackings. “We urge residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to the police immediately,” he said.
As the investigation continues, the city mourns the loss of yet another life to senseless violence and reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all its residents.
