“Carjacking and kidnapping at Watkins Elementary dropoff” on Capitol Hill this morning

via google maps

Update from MPD:

“MPD is currently investigating an incident that occurred by Watkins Elementary School, at 12th and E Street, SE, shortly before 8:30am.

As our complainant was there to drop a child at school, the complaint observed, what we believe to be a theft from auto. The complainant exited their vehicle and went across the street to ask the suspects, who were in a Honda Fiat, to return the property to the vehicle.

While this discussion was occurring, one of the suspects exited the Honda Fiat vehicle and crossed the street to our complainants vehicle and entered through the drivers side door that was left ajar. Our complainant ran across the street and attempted to get back into the vehicle and was unsuccessful. This vehicle had a 5 year old child in the back seat. The suspect was able to take the vehicle and flee with the child inside.

These circumstances were not yet known to a First District officer, who was on patrol in immediate area. He noticed a vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed and attempted to stop it by activating his emergency equipment. As the vehicle was traveling fast the officer was unable to initiate a traffic stop; however he, shortly thereafter, located the vehicle with the child safely inside in the 300 block of 16th St SE. The suspect was not in the car or visible to the officer when the officer located the vehicle.

Anyone with information about this event is asked to contact MPD on 202-727-9099 or by texting 50411.”

“Dear PoPville,

Just a heads up there was a vehicle that was carjacked with a young child inside at Watkins Elementary School on Capitol Hill this morning, at gunpoint. The child and vehicle were recovered several blocks away – but this is beyond frightening. There has been a significant uptick in violent crime in this area. Where is MPD?

Here’s the note from the principal that just went out.

October 19, 2018

Dear Peabody and Watkins Elementary School Parents and Families:

At Watkins Elementary School, we highly value and are committed to fostering a learning environment where students are safe and secure. A large part of our commitment to families is providing timely communications around incidents that occur during the school day.

I am writing to notify you that this morning at drop-off, a car belonging to a member of our school community was stolen with a young child inside. We immediately contacted the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who responded quickly and began to investigate the issue. Shortly after, MPD was able to safely recover both the car and child.

The incident has been referred to the DC Public Schools police team and MPD, who are onsite to collect accounts and statements from staff and adult witnesses. We will continue to cooperate with any ongoing investigation.

Please be assured that the safety of our students is paramount at all times. If you have any questions related to this incident, please call the school office at (202) 698-3355 or contact me via email at [email protected].

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Elena Bell
Principal, Peabody and Watkins Elementary School”