Man Died Trying to Stop Theft of SUV: Police

DISTRICT HEIGHTS, MD — A District Heights man was gunned down when he tried to keep a Washington, DC, man from stealing his SUV, authorities say.

Prince George's County Police have charged murder suspect Diartianan Rivers, 27, of the 1400 block of Savannah Street in Southeast Washington.

Police say he is responsible for the death of Thomas Barnes, 52, of Rochell Avenue in District Heights.

About 4:30 a.m. Saturday, police were called to the 1900 block of Rochell Avenue for the report of a shooting. Barnes was found outside in a parking lot suffering from a gunshot wound. He died a short time later at a hospital.

Detectives believe Barnes ran outside his home after hearing the sound of his SUV being started in the parking lot, where he confronted Rivers, who was allegedly trying to steal the SUV. During the confrontation, Barnes was shot. The suspect then sped away in the SUV.

Metropolitan Police officers spotted the stolen SUV in Southeast DC on Saturday afternoon. The officers chased the SUV into Prince George’s County, where Rivers was arrested after crashing the SUV on Oxon Run Drive.

Rivers is charged with first- and second-degree murder and related charges. He has admitted his involvement in the fatal shooting and stealing the SUV, according to police.

Rivers is in custody of the Department of Corrections on a no-bond status. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 301-772-4925.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.

»Photo of murder suspect Diartianan Rivers, courtesy of Prince George's County Police