Police say an officer fired at a suspect who allegedly raised a rifle after a stolen vehicle pursuit and foot chase.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — An armed carjacking in Northeast DC early Wednesday ended with a police pursuit, an officer-involved shooting and the arrest of a 13-year-old boy, while a second suspect remains at large.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded at about 1:20 a.m. Wednesday to the 700 block of 19th Street Northeast for a reported armed carjacking.
Investigators said two suspects approached the victim outside, and one of them pointed a rifle at the victim and demanded the keys to a gray 2026 Honda Civic. The victim complied and was not injured.
Police broadcast a description of the suspects and the stolen vehicle citywide.
At about 1:54 a.m., Seventh District officers spotted the Honda traveling on Valley Avenue Southeast near 9th Street Southeast and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle fled, and officers initiated a pursuit that ended minutes later near 2nd and Xenia streets Southeast when the suspects abandoned the car and ran into the wooded area along Oxon Run Trail.
Police established a perimeter and searched for the suspects.
At approximately 2:02 a.m., an officer driving a marked cruiser along the 4000 block of Livingston Road Southeast saw one of the suspects emerge from the tree line, according to police.
The officer ordered the suspect to show his hands, but investigators said the suspect instead raised a rifle toward the officer. The officer then fired his service weapon while still seated inside the patrol vehicle.
The suspect ran back into the wooded area and was not found despite a search.
Police said there were no known injuries or property damage resulting from the officer’s gunfire, and the officer was not injured.
About 10 minutes later, officers arrested a 13-year-old boy from Southeast DC near where the stolen vehicle had come to a stop.
The juvenile has been charged with:
- Armed carjacking
- Reckless driving
- Fleeing from a law enforcement officer
The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with department policy.
The Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Bureau is investigating the officer-involved shooting, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will independently review the facts and evidence.
The armed carjacking investigation remains ongoing, and police are asking anyone with information to contact investigators.
Key Points
- A 13-year-old boy was arrested after an armed carjacking led to a pursuit and officer-involved shooting in Southeast DC.
- Police say an officer fired at a suspect who allegedly raised a rifle after fleeing into a wooded area.
- A second suspect was not located, and no injuries were reported from the officer’s gunfire.