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DC Carjackers Avoid Being Shot, Not Arrested While Targeting Veteran Detective In Maryland

A pair of carjackers bit off more than they could chew in Prince George’s County when they accidentally targeted a police officer who took matters into his own hands.

Charles Edward Owens

Charles Edward Owens

Photo Credit: Prince George's Police Department

Charles Edward Owens, 24, and a 16-year-old teen, both from Washington, DC, were arrested following a police pursuit after an officer fired shots and scared off his would-be assailants, according to the Prince George’s County Police Department.

At approximately 11:45 p.m. on Monday, June 12, a detective working for the Carjacking Interdiction Unit was driving in the area of Oxon Run Drive and Anvil Lane in Temple Hills in an unmarked police cruiser when he spotted a white Kia sedan and SUV that had previously been reported stolen in the region.

Police say that the detective called for backup and the department’s helicopter, though as he wanted in his parked car, both Kias he was tailing pulled up beside him, with a passenger in the Kia sedan getting out and approaching the detective’s car while pointing a handgun at him.

In response, “fearing for his safety,” the detective pulled out his weapon and fired multiple shots through the windshield toward the gunman, though he was not struck, according to officials.

Once the shots were fired, the man fled back to the Kia, and both stolen vehicles sped away, prompting a police pursuit that ended in Washington, DC, when passengers from scurried away on foot.

Officers were able to take Owens and the teen into custody. A loaded handgun was also recovered. No injuries were ultimately reported.

Both suspects are being held in DC pending their extradition back to Prince George’s County to face charges related to the carjacking. The 16-year-old is also being charged as an adult.

The shooting remains under investigation.

According to the department, the officer involved is a 16-year veteran of the agency and assigned to the Bureau of Investigation and Forensic Science. He is on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.  

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