A Baltimore father, Santiago Garcia-Diaz, appeared on ‘Fox & Friends First’ to share his emotional plea for help and shed light on the potential consequences of his son’s release. In a recent incident near a major shopping mall outside Washington, D.C., an armed off-duty Maryland police officer successfully frightened away two suspected carjackers who were attempting to force his family out of their vehicle.
Prince George Assistant Chief Vernon Hale III emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and aware of one’s surroundings during a press conference. He pointed out that if an off-duty officer can fall victim to such an incident, anyone can. Hale urged the public to take care of one another and keep their eyes open.
According to reports from Fox 5 DC, the off-duty officer, who remains unidentified, was helping two family members into their personal vehicle in Oxon Hill around 5 p.m. on Thursday. At least two suspects approached them in a parking lot that serves various office buildings, including dental and medical offices. The parking lot is located across the street from the Tanger Outlets National Harbor shopping center.
Hale described the incident as an “apparent carjacking” and stated that the off-duty officer fired his weapon, causing the suspects to flee in their vehicle. Fortunately, no one in the officer’s family was injured, and no shots are believed to have hit the suspected carjackers.
The officer used his department-issued firearm during the incident, according to later statements from the police. Following the carjacking, authorities issued a “be on the lookout” alert for a black GMC Acadia. NBC Washington reported that one of the suspects, identified as 19-year-old Washington, D.C. resident Anthony Stewart, was located and arrested in D.C. He will be extradited to Maryland and faces charges of carjacking, robbery, theft, and additional offenses. The second suspect is still at large.
This carjacking is one of many that have plagued Maryland and Washington, D.C. this year. Prince George’s County Police reported an 18% increase in carjackings compared to last year, with a total of 500 incidents as of last week. Similarly, in nearby D.C., carjackings have more than doubled since last year, with 952 cases reported as of the same time period.
The rise in carjackings has even affected political leaders and their families. In October, Texas Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar was carjacked by three armed attackers near the U.S. Capitol. The alarming surge in crime rates in the region has prompted concerns from conservatives, who argue that lenient law enforcement policies are contributing to the crisis.
The Prince George’s County Police Department is actively investigating the recent carjacking and is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the second suspect. Meanwhile, the off-duty officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the conclusion of the investigation.
In a time when carjackings and other crimes are on the rise, incidents like these serve as a stark reminder of the importance of personal safety and vigilance in our communities.
