D.C. Area Carjackings See Significant Drop in 2025, But Recent Incident Highlights Ongoing Concerns

Washington D.C. and neighboring Prince George’s County are reporting a notable decrease in carjacking incidents through mid-2025, offering a glimmer of hope after years of escalating crime that peaked during the pandemic. In D.C. alone, 183 carjackings were recorded through July of this year, a substantial 40% reduction compared to the same period in 2024. Similarly, Prince George’s County has seen 113 carjackings so far this year, nearly half the number reported by this point in 2024.

This positive trend follows a dramatic surge in carjackings that began in 2020, reaching an alarming 957 incidents in D.C. in 2023. Police officials and criminologists attributed this ‘crime of the pandemic’ to various factors, including the involvement of young offenders, often driven by thrill-seeking, social media attention, or to commit further crimes. Challenges with repeat offenders and the juvenile justice system were frequently cited as contributing to the ‘spiraling out of control’ situation.

Despite the encouraging decline, the region continues to grapple with the impact of these violent crimes. A recent high-profile incident on August 3rd saw 19-year-old Edward Coristine, known online as ‘Big Balls,’ targeted in an attempted carjacking in D.C., leading to the arrest of two 15-year-old suspects. This event serves as a stark reminder that while overall numbers are down, the threat of carjacking remains a significant concern for residents.

Law enforcement agencies, like the carjacking unit in Prince George’s County, attribute the recent drop to sharpened investigative skills and increased arrests. However, officers emphasize that even with reduced numbers, the psychological toll on victims is immense, and the goal remains to eradicate the crime entirely. Policy shifts and ongoing efforts to refine the juvenile justice system are seen as crucial to sustaining this downward trend and preventing a return to the unprecedented levels witnessed in recent years.

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