Three juvenile escapees charged after DC crime spree

WASHINGTON — DC Police are searching for two of three teen boys who escaped from a youth rehabilitation center in Pennsylvania Sunday night and allegedly committed crimes in the District. The third teen has already been re-arrested, along with two other suspects. 

Three juveniles escaped from a Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS)-contracted facility out of state and now face a slew of charges after police say they stole an SUV, committed a robbery, shot a man, and led officers on a chase through the nation’s capital. 

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the teens escaped from the youth detention center before allegedly stealing a red 2016 Land Rover SUV with Pennsylvania license plates. The Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) was alerted and quickly entered the stolen vehicle into MPD’s license plate reader systems.

Later that night, just before 11 p.m., officers responded to a shooting in the 700 block of 8th Street, NE. They found a man who had been shot, who told officers he was robbed. The individuals were last seen in a red SUV matching the description of the stolen Land Rover. The man was taken to an area hospital to be treated. He is expected to be OK. 

Investigators later confirmed that the red SUV was involved in the robbery and shooting.

A short time later, an officer spotted the SUV heading toward the RFK Stadium area. MPD’s helicopter, Falcon 1, was deployed and located the car. Under aerial surveillance, five suspects were seen bailing out of the SUV and running away. Two of the individuals then jumped back into the car and drove off, while officers arrested one suspect on foot. An AR-15-style rifle was recovered nearby.

Around 11:15 p.m., a Seventh District officer spotted the SUV again, this time traveling on Alabama Avenue, SE. Due to the vehicle’s connection to the violent crime, a pursuit was authorized. Falcon 1 resumed aerial surveillance and tracked the SUV until it came to a stop near Minnesota Avenue and T Street, SE. The remaining suspects ran away. Officers arrested two more juveniles.

MPD confirmed that the three juveniles who were taken into custody have been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun), Robbery, and related firearm offenses. One of them was confirmed to be among the initial DYRS escapees. Authorities are still searching for the two remaining juveniles. 

In a statement, DYRS said they are “actively coordinating with the Metropolitan Police Department to support efforts to locate and safely return the youth.” 

Anyone with information about the case or the whereabouts of the remaining suspects is urged to call MPD at 202-727-9099 or text the department’s anonymous tip line at 50411.