GAITHERSBURG, Md. — Montgomery County Police have arrested an 18-year-old man who is allegedly connected to multiple armed carjackings.
According to police reports, on November 7, 2023, Joseph De-La-Paz and four other men approached a woman along the 3100 block of McMahon Road a little before 7:45 p.m.
The victim told police she was at the trunk of her 2013 Nissan Sentra when one of the carjackers pointed a black handgun at her and demanded the keys to her car. A second carjacker pulled out a knife and poked her with it, demanding her cellphone too. She complied and the five drove away in her car.
The following day, on November 8, Rockville Police responded to Leonard Court around 9:15 p.m. for reports of another armed carjacking. A woman on scene told police she was parked in her 2017 Honda Pilot when she was approached by three young men.
The group broke off as they approached the vehicle, two approached the driver’s side displaying handguns, while the third walked around to the passenger side of the car. The suspects demanded that the victim drive them to the bank, instead she got out of the car and ran away.
The second victim was able to call the police, while the suspects drove away in her car.
Detectives from the Major Crimes Division were able to identify De-La-Paz as one of the suspects connected to both armed carjackings. He is currently being held on bond.
This investigation is ongoing as detectives continue to search for additional suspects.
A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest and conviction. If you have any information you are asked to call 1-866-411-8477 or you can submit your tip at www.crimesolversmcmd.org.