200+ carjackings in DC area, dozens of juveniles arrested so far this year

The Washington, D.C. region has been plagued by a crime they have yet to get a handle on in 2021: violent carjackings.

The most recent police data reveals 207 carjackings have been reported in D.C. and the surrounding counties between January and April of 2021. In 2020, there were 60 during the same period.

The hotspots are Prince George’s County and the District.

There have been 70 carjackings called into Prince George's County Police Department between January and mid-March alone. One was caught on camera at a Bladensburg gas station in March.

The victim and driver of a white Kia stopped for gas, police said. Video surveillance from the gas station shows the suspects’ car at a neighboring gas pump. As the driver gets in his car, the suspect runs over and demands the victim’s car at gunpoint.

Surveillance showed the suspect and victim get into a struggle, at which point police said the suspect shot at the victim and narrowly missed. Rounds went through the victim’s sweatshirt, according to police.

D.C. Police Department is dealing with a bigger problem when it comes to carjackings.

More than 107 people have been carjacked. Police have arrested 44 people and 34 of the suspects are under the age of 18. Based on police reports, some of the suspected carjackers have been as young as 12 years old.

"That's just what they like to do," Acting D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee said when talking about some of the suspects. "They just do it. They enjoy committing crimes."

Some juveniles have engaged in this crime for not only the thrill but to brag about their conquests on social media. » Subscribe to WUSA9: https://bit.ly/2lO8e2F

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