This morning, a Watkins Elementary mother lived through something none of us ever want to have happen to us: Someone carjacked her while her 5-year old was inside the car. Per MPD:

Good morning First District community, MPD is currently investigating an incident that occurred by Watkins Elementary School, at 12th and E Street, SE, shortly before 8:30am. As our complainant was there to drop a child at school, the complaint observed, what we believe to be a theft from auto. The complainant exited their vehicle and went across the street to ask the suspects, who were in a Honda Fiat, to return the property to the vehicle. While this discussion was occurring, one of the suspects exited the Honda Fiat vehicle and crossed the street to our complainants vehicle and entered through the drivers side door that was left ajar. Our complainant ran across the street and attempted to get back into the vehicle and was unsuccessful. This vehicle had a 5 year old child in the back seat. The suspect was able to take the vehicle and flee with the child inside. These circumstances were not yet known to a First District officer, who was on patrol in immediate area. He noticed a vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed and attempted to stop it by activating his emergency equipment. As the vehicle was traveling fast the officer was unable to initiate a traffic stop; however he, shortly thereafter, located the vehicle with the child safely inside in the 300 block of 16th St SE. The suspect was not in the car or visible to the officer when the officer located the vehicle. Anyone with information about this event is asked to contact MPD on 202-727-9099 or by texting 50411. Morgan C. Kane, MPA

Commander, First District

Patrol Services South

Metropolitan Police Department

Charles Allen had this to say on Twitter:

Just got off the phone with Cmdr Kane re: carjacking at Watkins ES this morning. Most importantly, mom & child are safe. MPD aggressively investigating. @nick6B06 & @DR_6B09 are on scene as well. Will have more later. — Charles Allen (@charlesallen) October 19, 2018

Neighbors: It’s pretty clear that we are experiencing an uptick in crime of different kinds around the Hill. Please look out for one another and be safe. Please, also remember to lock your car when you walk away– people have had their cars stolen while they pumped gas because they left their cars open. We are so glad mom and child are reunited and hope they are able to heal quickly.

Updated 2:14 p.m.: The mother involved in the carjacking shared this post with local list serve New Hill East:

My son and I were the ones involved in the situation this morning. We are ok!

I wanted to let everyone know exactly what happened: