WASHINGTON, D.C. — A 23-year-old District man has been sentenced to more than nine years in federal prison for a string of violent carjackings and armed robberies that plagued the metropolitan area in March 2023.
The sentence of 108 months was handed down to Andre “Dre” Rushing by U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Guilty Plea to Four Carjackings
Rushing pleaded guilty on March 17 to four separate carjackings, admitting he brandished a firearm during crimes of violence. Authorities said his crime spree sowed fear throughout the D.C. region until his arrest on March 30, 2023.
On that day, Rushing and his co-defendants were stopped in Fairfax County, Virginia, while attempting to flee in a stolen vehicle. Police apprehended the suspects after a brief pursuit, bringing the month-long wave of violence to an end.
Details of a March 6 Attack
Court documents highlighted one of the most harrowing incidents, which took place on March 6, 2023, around 9:20 p.m. on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue.
According to the indictment, Rushing pointed a handgun at a man, demanding his car keys and phone, while his co-defendant, Javon Roach, menaced the victim with a loaded long gun. The coordinated intimidation left the victim terrified and defenseless as the assailants fled with his vehicle.
This attack was one of several carried out by Rushing and his associates, each involving weapons and threats of violence.
Sentencing and Supervised Release
In addition to his federal prison term, Judge Contreras ordered Rushing to serve five years of supervised release after completing his sentence. The supervision is intended to ensure compliance with the law and assist in his transition back into society.
The court emphasized that the length of the sentence reflected both the seriousness of the crimes and the need to deter future violent offenses.
Law Enforcement Responds
In a joint statement, Reid Davis, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office Criminal Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), underscored the danger Rushing posed to the community.
“Carjackings and armed robberies leave victims shaken and communities vulnerable,” Davis said. “The actions of Rushing and his co-defendants were reckless and violent. Today’s sentence sends a strong message that such conduct will not be tolerated.”
Chief Smith added that the collaboration between MPD, the FBI, and federal prosecutors was crucial in securing a conviction and restoring a measure of safety to residents.
Carjackings on the Rise
The sentencing comes amid broader concerns about rising carjackings in the D.C. region. Law enforcement agencies have reported increased incidents involving juveniles and young adults in recent years, often escalating into violent confrontations.
Officials say the case demonstrates how coordinated investigations can take dangerous offenders off the streets.
Community Impact
Residents who followed the case said the sentence brings some reassurance but also highlighted the trauma victims endured.
One community member noted, “It’s terrifying to think you could be getting into your car and suddenly have a gun in your face. Knowing someone responsible is going away for years at least helps, but the fear lingers.”
Moving Forward
As Rushing begins his prison term, authorities continue to investigate whether he or his associates may have been linked to additional carjackings in the area.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. Officials reiterated their commitment to addressing violent crime through both prevention efforts and aggressive prosecution.
With Rushing sentenced, federal and local officials hope the outcome serves as both justice for victims and a warning to others considering similar crimes.
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