What started as a seemingly routine visit to an apartment in Northwest Washington turned into a terrifying ordeal, according to police, after a man was allegedly lured inside, robbed at gunpoint and forced to send money through a mobile-payment app before he managed to escape and call 911.
The victim, who suffered minor injuries, was able to get to safety, police said. Officers later zeroed in on a Cathedral Heights apartment, where they made arrests without incident late on May 31. Neighbors in the area say the episode has heightened already simmering concerns about violent robberies in the neighborhood.
Police: Late-Night Luring And Robbery
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, Second District officers were called around 9:08 p.m. on May 31 to the 3000 block of Idaho Avenue NW for a reported robbery.
Investigators say suspects lured the man into a residence, where additional suspects emerged, pulled out guns and demanded his money and property. The victim was then forced to transfer funds through a mobile-payment service, according to police, before being assaulted and detained inside the home.
At some point, the victim was released and ran for help. Detectives later identified the apartment tied to the attack and arrested three suspects there without incident. The department is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case.
Who Was Charged
As reported by WJLA, the suspects include 33-year-old Deonte Jones of Northwest D.C., who faces charges of robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon (gun) and kidnapping while armed.
Also charged is 17-year-old Jermaine Tyreese Jones of Riverdale, Maryland, who is being prosecuted as an adult under Title 16 and faces the same counts, according to authorities. A 16-year-old girl from Hyattsville, Maryland, is charged with robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon and kidnapping.
Police say all three were taken into custody at the residence where the alleged crime occurred. The investigation remains active.
What A Title 16 Charge Means
According to Metropolitan Police Department policy materials, 16- and 17-year-olds can be prosecuted under the adult criminal code in certain serious violent cases. That process moves cases out of juvenile court and changes how suspects are handled by the system.
The manual notes that Title 16 charges are typically reserved for felony offenses that involve firearms or serious physical injury and can be referred to adult prosecutors when appropriate.
How To Report Tips
Anyone with information related to the case is asked to call (202) 727-9099 or text tips to 50411, as reported by WJLA. Detectives are urging residents not to approach potential suspects and instead share what they know with investigators so officers can follow up safely.
