Incident Summary
On the evening of January 17, 2023, an alarming incident unfolded in Arlington, Virginia, involving a 17-year-old teen from Washington, D.C. The incident began when police officers attempted to stop a stolen vehicle. However, the teen behind the wheel, later identified as Jahmari Rice-El, disregarded the officers' commands and fled the scene in the stolen car.
Pursuit and Collision
A high-speed chase ensued, with Rice-El recklessly driving the stolen vehicle through residential streets. During the pursuit, he rammed into two Arlington County police cruisers, causing extensive damage. Fortunately, none of the police officers involved in the incident sustained any injuries.
Apprehension and Charges
After the collision, Rice-El abandoned the stolen vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. However, he was swiftly apprehended by Arlington County police officers. Rice-El now faces numerous charges, including:
- Grand Larceny Auto
- Felony Elude
- Hit and Run
- Resisting Arrest
- Assault on Law Enforcement Officers (for ramming the police cruisers)
Prior History
The Arlington County Commonwealth's Attorney, Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, disclosed that Rice-El has a prior record of criminal offenses, including:
- Robbery
- Assault
- Narcotics Distribution
Court Proceedings
Rice-El was taken into custody and transported to the Juvenile Detention Center in Fairfax County. He appeared in court for a bond hearing on January 18, 2023, where a judge ordered him held without bond. A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for February 7, 2023.
Community Response
The incident has sparked concern and outrage within the Arlington community. Residents expressed their gratitude for the swift response of the police officers involved and condemned the reckless behavior of Rice-El. Arlington County officials have emphasized that they will not tolerate such dangerous and illegal actions, and they are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of their community.
Additional Details
- The stolen vehicle involved in the incident was a Kia, a make and model that has been targeted by thieves in recent months.
- Rice-El is not the only teen charged in connection with the stolen Kia trend. In a separate incident, three other teenagers were arrested after being caught driving a stolen Kia in Arlington.
- The Arlington Police Department is actively working to combat auto theft in the area and has increased patrols in response to the recent surge in these crimes.
Conclusion
The incident in Arlington serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with auto theft and reckless driving. The swift apprehension of Jahmari Rice-El and the charges he faces demonstrate the seriousness of these offenses. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly.
