WASHINGTON D.C., DC — The District has seen a major increase in carjacking offenses this year. That's according to data from the Metropolitan Police Department.
As of October 22, there were 806 carjacking offenses reporting across D.C. compared to 387 as of this time last year. That's a 108% increase.
On Saturday, a man driving for a rideshare service told WUSA9 he became the latest carjacking victim.
"It was very scary," he said.
He says he was driving near the intersection L Street and 7th Street Southeast when it happened.
"A weird car passed me and just stopped in front of me and a few seconds after two guys just stepped out from this car and come to my car and say get out, get out, get out!" he said.
He tells WUSA9 he couldn't see their faces, and was scared they were going to hurt him.
"When they come to the car, they cover their face from the nose down and you see only they eyes. I left everything. I waived my hand and stepped out. My shoes were off. I leave my phone, my wallet, everything in the car," he said.
After they drove off, he says he ran across the street to another driver and asked them to call police.
He says the very next day, he got a call from a detective who told him his car had been found. He was able to go and get it the following Thursday. Unfortunately, his belongings inside the vehicle were gone.
Police told him his car was found in the 3400 block of Croffut Pl SE, and had been used to commit another carjacking.
DC Police shared the following tips to try and reduce your risk of becoming a carjacking victim.
When you are on the road:
- ALWAYS keep your doors locked and windows rolled up (if it’s hot and you don’t have air conditioning, roll them up at least part-way) no matter how short the distance you’re traveling or how safe the neighborhood.
- Drive in the center lane to make it harder for potential carjackers to approach the car.
- AVOID driving alone. Travel with someone whenever possible, especially at night.
- When you are coming to a stop, leave enough room to maneuver around other cars, especially if you sense trouble and need to get away.
- Always drive with the doors locked. If a thief can’t get in your vehicle, you stand a better chance of leaving with it.
- DON’T stop to assist a stranger whose car has broken down. You can help instead by driving to the nearest phone (or using your cell phone) to call police for help.
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