Three D.C. Teens Arrested After Carjacking Driver in Early Morning Ambush

WASHINGTON, D.C. – An early morning carjacking in Southeast D.C. on Tuesday ended with the arrest of three teenage suspects and the quick recovery of a stolen vehicle, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

The incident unfolded around 7:23 a.m. on the 1500 block of Butler Street SE, where the victim was confronted by three juveniles. According to police, the group forcefully pulled the victim out of their vehicle, grabbed the key fob, and sped off in the car, leaving the shaken driver behind.

Within minutes, officers from MPD’s Seventh District began canvassing the area for the stolen vehicle. Their efforts paid off quickly. Not long after the initial report, officers successfully located the car and took all three suspects into custody.

Suspects Identified and Charged

The arrested individuals include:

A 15-year-old male from Southeast D.C.
A 16-year-old male with no fixed address
Another 15-year-old male, also listed without a fixed address

Each of the teens has been charged with Unarmed Carjacking, a serious offense under D.C. law. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported during the incident, and the stolen vehicle has been returned to its rightful owner.

Rising Juvenile Crime Concerns

This case is the latest in a string of youth-involved crimes that have raised alarm throughout the Washington, D.C. area. Community leaders, residents, and law enforcement officials continue to express growing concern over the increasing number of violent incidents involving minors—especially carjackings, which have spiked significantly in recent years.

While MPD was able to resolve this particular case swiftly, the event underscores the broader challenge of juvenile crime in the city. The reasons behind this trend remain complex, with experts pointing to a mix of economic instability, lack of community support systems, and insufficient intervention programs for at-risk youth.

Ongoing Investigation

The case remains under investigation as detectives work to uncover more details about how the crime was planned and whether the teens have any connection to other recent carjackings in the region.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information related to the suspects to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously by texting 50411, or by calling the MPD tip line at (202) 727-9099.

The department is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest and indictment in connection with the case.