Carjacking Attempt Leads to Sentencing in Washington, DC

A man from Washington, DC has received a 10-year prison sentence followed by five years of supervised release. This follows his attempt to carjack a vehicle belonging to a Deputy US Marshal who was part of the security detail for Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

On July 5, 2024, the DC Metropolitan Police Department released a statement detailing the incident. At approximately 1:15 am, the suspect, identified as Kentrell Flower, drew a handgun and aimed it at one of the marshals in what was described as a clear attempt to steal the vehicle. In response, the deputy marshal fired his weapon four times.

From the scene, authorities recovered a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun along with eight rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. The police report indicated that the attempt was specifically aimed at the security detail, though Justice Sotomayor was unharmed and not directly involved in the confrontation.

Details of the Incident

As per the Department of Justice, after being shot, Flower fell to the ground. Reports indicate that one accomplice fled the scene in a silver minivan, while another escaped on foot. There’s no evidence suggesting that Justice Sotomayor was in danger at that time.

Wider Context of Carjackings in DC

Security around Supreme Court justices has heightened, particularly after an assassination attempt on Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2022. The assailant, Nicholas Roske, had traveled from California with firearms, intending to harm Kavanaugh but later alerted authorities to his suicidal thoughts before carrying out his plan.

Carjacking has been a significant issue in Washington, DC, for years. As part of an effort to combat this crime, a Carjacking Task Force was established and expanded starting in January 2021. In collaboration with the Prince George’s County Police Department, efforts have intensified since February 2022.

So far in 2024, there have been 121 reported carjackings in the city, with 95 incidents (79%) involving firearms. Although these figures are still concerning, they reflect a decrease in carjacking incidents compared to 198 reported cases during the same period in 2023, of which 136 involved guns. Arrest numbers remain relatively stable, with 64 arrests in each of the past two years.

The Metropolitan Police Department advises individuals threatened by potential armed carjackers to prioritize their safety. It’s recommended that people abandon their vehicles rather than confront the assailant.