A senior citizen died after a woman stole an SUV from MedStar Washington Hospital Center on Monday afternoon and smashed into a building in downtown D.C., according to police. The senior was riding in the SUV when the thief stepped in and drove away.
The victim’s name was not immediately published.
Metropolitan Police Department Assistant Chief Darnel Robinson described the crime as a “tragic event.”
“Our condolences are with the family at this time,” he said at a press conference.
The elderly and her adult child had just arrived at MedStar Washington Hospital Center when the thief jumped in and drove away, leaving the senior inside, according to authorities. They were on the 100 block of Irving Street around 1:15 p.m.
Police say the thief crashed into a structure at 6th and D streets NW. The crossroads is just steps from the DC Court of Appeals and over 3 miles south of the carjacking scene.
A video from News4 shows a white SUV with considerable front-end damage. The ground is littered with crumbled building materials and automobile bits. An officer witnessed the incident and went to investigate, observing the driver get out of the SUV and attempt to flee. He was able to apprehend her, Robinson claimed. Police did not immediately provide the suspect’s identity.
The crash victim was transported to a hospital in critical condition and proclaimed deceased.
Police said they are still working with prosecutors to determine the charges against the car thief.
Carjackings in D.C. more than doubled in 2023. Carjackings in 2024 have decreased by 33% compared to the same period last year, according to MPD data. According to police, 69% of crimes include guns, 68% involve youths, and 90% of arrestees identify as D.C. residents.