WASHINGTON, D.C. – A female suspect allegedly carjacked a vehicle with an elderly woman still inside outside a local hospital and subsequently crashed the car near the U.S. Attorney’s office on Monday, according to police.
The elderly passenger, who was forced to remain in the vehicle during the ordeal, was later pronounced dead, D.C. Assistant Police Chief Darnel Robinson said during a press conference. Authorities responded to a report of a stolen vehicle around 1:11 p.m. at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, located in the 100 block of Irving Street, NW.
Upon arrival, officers were informed that a white SUV had been stolen with an adult woman in the front passenger seat. The victim’s family reported that their elderly parent was still inside the vehicle when the suspect drove away, police said on social media.
The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department quickly deployed its air support unit, known as Falcon, and dispatched officers to locate the stolen vehicle. Robinson explained that a police officer in the vicinity observed a white vehicle crash into a building while traveling northbound on 6th Street.
The officer witnessed the driver attempt to flee the scene but managed to apprehend the suspect for further questioning. The crash occurred at the intersection of 6th Street and D Street, NW, near the U.S. Attorney’s office building, though authorities did not specify the exact building involved.
Despite immediate efforts to render aid to the unconscious passenger, law enforcement was unable to save her. “It is a tragic event. Our condolences are with the family at this time,” Robinson said. “The passenger of this vehicle was pronounced.”
Robinson noted that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages and that they will be consulting with the U.S. Attorney’s office to determine the appropriate charges.