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Police: Two teens among suspects accused of tackling, carjacking 72-year-old woman in Bethesda

All three are charged with carjacking, assault, and robbery. Both teens were allegedly involved in other carjackings.

BETHESDA, Md. — Police have arrested an 18, 16, and 15-year-old for allegedly tackling a 72-year-old woman to the ground and stealing her car early Tuesday morning in Bethesda. 

Just after 1 a.m., officers with the Montgomery County Police Department responded to the 7700 block of Woodmont Avenue for a report of a carjacking. 

Detectives say an investigation revealed that a 72-year-old woman was walking to her car when she was tackled to the ground by two strangers. The suspects demanded her keys and personal property, before taking off in her 2023 Honda Fit. A lookout was then placed for the stolen car.

Investigators later discovered the Honda Fit at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Seminary Road. Police pulled over the car and three suspects were taken into custody.

Detectives have charged all three suspects with carjacking, assault, and robbery including 18-year-old Frank De-La-Paz and the unnamed juvenile suspects.

Investigators say the 16-year-old is being charged as an adult in this carjacking. At the time of his arrest, the teen had an active warrant for his alleged involvement in another carjacking that he committed on Nov. 8 in Rockville.

The 15-year-old was taken to a juvenile detention center. Police say he was additionally charged with an armed carjacking that occurred on Nov. 7 in Wheaton. 

RELATED: Prosecutors: Carjacking suspects texted 'Grand Theft Auto In Real Life' to each other

RELATED: 'Where can they go? Where can they be safe?' | Parents want answers after student is robbed at McKinley Technology High School

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

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