An off-duty Maryland police officer fought two accused carjackers trying to force his family out of their car in the nation’s capital with fast thought and courage. In a parking lot in Oxon Hill, Maryland, near Tanger Outlets National Harbor, the event occurred around 5 p.m.
Prince George Police Department Assistant Chief Vernon Hale III spoke during a press conference about the need for public knowledge and attentiveness. He noted the incident’s broader implications, “If off-duty police may experience this, so can a family. We want everyone to be diligent, take care of each other, and stay alert.”
At least two suspects approached the off-duty police as he helped two family members enter their vehicle, reports said. The officer fired his department-issued pistol after an apparent carjacking.
“The officer was able to get his family safely out of the vehicle, discharge his weapon, and the suspects escaped, including his personal vehicle,” said Hale. “It appears the cop did not shoot the suspects, and the family members were unharmed.”
Police “be on the lookout” for the suspects’ black GMC Acadia. After the altercation, 19-year-old Anthony Stewart from Washington, D.C. was detained. Stewart faces carjacking, robbery, theft, and other charges. Law enforcement is seeking public clues because the second suspect is still at large.
This episode contributes to the alarming spike in carjackings in the region, echoing crime trends. As of last week, Prince George’s County Police had 500 carjackings, up 18% from the prior year. Washington, D.C., has had an even greater spike in carjackings, more than doubling from 2022.
This event followed a spate of high-profile carjackings, underlining the need to address the epidemic. In October, Texas Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar was carjacked near the Capitol.
As the carjacking investigation continues, the Prince George’s County Police Department asks the public for information on the second suspect. Off-duty officer placed on administrative leave, typical procedure during investigations.
The rise in carjackings highlights the need for better crime prevention and community engagement. In light of this worrying trend, authorities are struggling to ensure public safety. Carjackings threaten individuals and create a sense of fear in communities.
Police are working harder to solve this issue and promote public-police partnerships. Community awareness programs, neighborhood watch groups, and police visibility are being considered to deter carjackings.
The off-duty officer’s quick steps to stop the carjacking encourage us to stay alert even in safe places. Chief Hale’s emphasis on vigilance and awareness reflects the necessity for proactive personal safety measures.
While investigating this incident, the Prince George’s County Police Department encourages residents to offer any information that could help apprehend the remaining offender. To combat and prevent such crimes, the public must work together to ensure community safety.
The agency will share further information about donations to the off-duty officer’s family in the coming days. In difficult times, law enforcement agencies rely on community support, and public donations can help affected families.
The incident highlights the unpredictability of crime and the need for preparedness. Law enforcement training and individual self-defense are demonstrated by the off-duty officer’s family protection.
The Prince George’s County Police Department is committed to tackling the reasons of rising carjackings. Law enforcement hopes to make communities safer and reduce the impact of crime by promoting shared responsibility and community engagement.
