Armed Carjacker Arrested Minutes After Attempting To Steal Vehicle: Police

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — An 18-year-old District Heights man was arrested minutes after attempting to commit an armed carjacking, according to the Prince George's County Police Department.

On Dec. 28 at approximately 7:15 p.m., officers responded to the 2700 block of Lorring Drive in District Heights. The victim told officers the suspect, later identified as Messiah Jones, had demanded his car keys at gunpoint. The victim complied.

The suspect got into the victim’s car but couldn’t start the engine and then ran from the scene, according to the police department. Officers responded to the victim’s call for help and found the suspect nearby in the 3000 block of Donnell Drive. He was taken into custody without incident. A loaded handgun with an extended magazine was recovered from his waistband.

Jones has been charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm.

If anyone has information relevant to this case, they are asked to call detectives at 301-516-3788. Callers wanting to remain anonymous can call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto a mobile device.) Reference case 22-0063649.