WASHINGTON D.C. – A wave of terror gripped the streets of Washington D.C. last August, and now, 17-year-old Montello Washington is facing the music as an adult. The D.C. teen was indicted today on charges of armed carjacking, armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, and related offenses stemming from a brazen crime spree that unfolded over just two days – August 15th and 16th, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela Smith announced the indictment handed down by a D.C. Superior Court grand jury. Washington faces one count of armed carjacking, two counts of armed robbery, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, unauthorized use of a vehicle to commit violent crimes, and possession of a firearm during those crimes. His arraignment is scheduled for May 20, 2024, before the Honorable Lynn Leibovitz.
The government’s evidence paints a grim picture. Late on the night of August 15th, Washington, along with several accomplices, allegedly robbed a man at gunpoint as the victim was heading to work. This was just the opening act. Over the next several hours, bleeding into the early morning of August 16th, the group allegedly escalated their violence, committing a series of armed robberies and assaults – including firing gunshots at two victims. They then allegedly moved onto an armed carjacking, adding another layer of danger to their rampage.
The chaos didn’t end with the carjacking. Later that evening, MPD officers spotted the stolen vehicle in Southeast D.C. A pursuit ensued, a desperate chase that spanned from the District into Maryland and back again. The driver, attempting to evade capture, led officers on a high-speed run before three individuals – including Washington – bailed out of the car. Police quickly apprehended Washington and another suspect after they fled on foot.
The investigation was spearheaded by the dedicated detectives of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The prosecution will be handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Dinan and Sabena Auyeung of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They have a tough case ahead, but the evidence appears substantial.
It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is merely a formal accusation. Montello Washington, like every defendant in the American justice system, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the charges leveled against him suggest a disturbing pattern of violent behavior that demanded a swift and decisive response from law enforcement. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and bring you updates as they develop.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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