Would-be carjacker yanked from stolen car by dc local heroes — Photo 61814404 © Jiri Hera | Dreamstime.com

Suspect dragged from stolen car by bystanders after attempted carjacking in DC

WASHINGTON, DC – A man who allegedly tried to steal a running car in Northeast Washington was pulled from the driver’s seat by two witnesses and held until officers arrived, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

Around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, the victim was sitting in a parked vehicle in the 2000 block of West Virginia Avenue NE when a man opened the door, assaulted the driver, and pulled them from the car. The suspect then tried to drive off in the vehicle.

Before he could flee, two witnesses intervened and physically removed the suspect from the car, holding him at the scene until police arrived. The victim suffered minor injuries during the struggle.

Officers arrested 51-year-old John Gainey of Northeast, DC. He has been charged with Attempted Unarmed Carjacking.

Police did not indicate whether Gainey and the victim knew each other. The incident remains under investigation.

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Key Points

A man attempted to steal a running car in Northeast DC and was stopped by witnesses
The suspect allegedly assaulted the victim and tried to drive off before being pulled from the car
John Gainey, 51, was arrested and charged with Attempted Unarmed Carjacking

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

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