x
Breaking News
More () »

Caught on camera: Attempted carjacking in Bethesda thwarted by manual transmission

When the carjacker realized the Porsche had a manual transmission, he left it behind.

BETHESDA, Md. — Police are searching for four men after an attempted armed carjacking was caught on camera in Bethesda earlier this week.

According to the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division, the attempted armed carjacking happened in the 7300 block of Wisconsin Avenue on Nov. 26. 

Officers were called to the area shortly before midnight and learned a man had just parked his gray Porsche 911 in a parking space when the attack happened. The victim said he got out of the Porsche when a maroon Nissan Rogue pulled up next to the vehicle and three men got out, while a fourth man who was armed stayed in the car. 

One of the carjackers pointed a gun at the victim and demanded his car keys before hitting the victim in the head with the weapon. 

The victim handed over the keys but when one of the suspects got into the Porsche he discovered it was a manual transmission. Unable to drive the stolen car, the suspects got back into the Nissan and drove away. 

Video of the attempted carjacking was released by MCPD on Friday. 

Now officers are searching for the people behind the crime. The suspects have been described as:

  • A man, with a thin build, between sixteen and twenty years old, armed with a handgun, wearing a surgical mask, a black coat and a gray hooded sweatshirt 
  • A man, with a thin build, between sixteen and twenty years old, wearing a black coat, black jeans and light blue sneakers 
  • A man, with a thin build, unknown age, wearing a black ski mask, gloves, a black coat and a gray hooded sweatshirt 
  • A man, unknown age and unknown clothing description 

Anyone with information is asked to visit the Crime Solver of Montgomery County website at  www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the “www.p3tips.com” link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the suspects. Tips may remain anonymous.  

Law enforcement has 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.

WUSA9 is now on Roku and Amazon Fire TVs. Download the apps today for live newscasts and video on demand.  

Download the WUSA9 app to get breaking news, weather and important stories at your fingertips.  

Before You Leave, Check This Out