WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Metropolitan Police Department reported late Tuesday that a 17-year-old has been taken into custody in relation to the armed hijacking of an FBI agent’s vehicle in Washington, D.C.
Devonta Lynch, a resident of southeast D.C., was arrested on Monday for his alleged role in the Nov. 29 incident that occurred on 12th Street NE. Metro police have confirmed that Lynch will face charges as an adult under Title 16.
The crime unfolded as the FBI agent was exiting from his vehicle around 3:44 p.m. Two suspects, including Lynch, are believed to have approached the agent and stolen the vehicle at gunpoint. The car was later recovered on 15th Street SE, roughly 25 minutes after the incident.
The FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force is assisting the Metro police in the investigation, which is still ongoing. A reward of up to $20,000 has been put forth for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the culprits.
The police have urged the public to share any information they may have by calling 202-727-9099 or texting the tip line at 50411.
The incident comes amidst a surge in carjacking cases in D.C. Metro police data reveals a total of 924 carjackings in 2023, with firearms being used in 77% of the cases. This marks a significant increase from the 429 carjackings reported in the same period in 2022.
A noteworthy point is that juveniles, particularly those aged 15 and 16, make up the majority of carjacking arrests within the city.