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Woman Robbed at Gunpoint in Washington DC Alleyway
A chilling robbery unfolded in a Washington DC alleyway where a woman was held at gunpoint and robbed of her belongings, purse, cell phone, and car key. The brazen attack took place on September 27, 2024, near her workplace in the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE.
The victim, whose name was not disclosed, had parked her car in the alleyway adjacent to the restaurant where she worked. A black sedan drove past her, and she began walking towards her workplace. The sedan then followed her down the alley, pulling up beside her before the defendant exited the driver’s seat and pointed a firearm at her.
The defendant, Donovan Adams, 31, of Washington, DC, demanded her belongings, taking her purse, cell phone, and car key. He then sped off in his black sedan. The victim ran into her workplace and called 911, and about five minutes later, Adams returned to the alleyway and drove off in the victim’s car. When she returned outside, she discovered her car was gone.
About an hour after the robbery, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested Adams, who had fled from police in his black sedan. Officers recovered a beige BB gun, the victim’s car key, and three credit cards belonging to the victim from Adams’ possession.
Donovan Adams pleaded guilty to armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on April 3, 2025. The Honorable Jennifer DiToro sentenced him to 7.5 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department commended the work of those who investigated the case, acknowledging the dedication of Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Goldstein, who prosecuted the case.
The robbery and subsequent arrest serve as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and swift law enforcement action in combating violent crime. This sentence brings justice to the victim and reinforces the commitment to keeping Washington DC safe and secure.
Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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