Residents of D.C. are being reminded to exercise caution when engaging in online market transactions, following the arrest of a 20-year-old woman connected to an armed carjacking that occurred last month. The Metropolitan Police Department announced that She’ri Mykalie Bell of Southeast was arrested and is facing charges related to the carjacking that took place on May 15, according to a press release by the Metropolitan Police Department.
The incident involved a prearranged meeting via Facebook, set to take place in Northeast D.C. When the victim stepped out of their car, Bell allegedly entered, brandished a handgun, and then fled in their vehicle. The car has since been recovered. In the course of her arrest, Bell was found to reportedly be carrying a handgun and was additionally charged with multiple firearms offenses including Carrying a Pistol without a License and Possession of Unregistered Ammunition.
In response to this and similar incidents, the MPD is strongly promoting the use of Safe Exchange Zones—designated areas at police stations where individuals can more safely conduct their transactions. These zones aim to reduce the risk of robberies and other crimes associated with online deals. The locations of these zones include every district station from the First District Station at 101 M Street SW to the Special Operations Division’s Harbor Patrol at 550 Water Street SW.
The MPD emphasizes the importance of using these zones as a precaution and to possibly help avoid falling victim to crimes like the recent carjacking. Officers encourage the public to be skeptical of individuals who refuse to meet at these Safe Exchange Zone locations.
