A federal indictment was unsealed March 31 in U.S. District Court charging Dequan Simpson, 18, of the District of Columbia, with involvement in two alleged armed carjackings and a shooting that occurred last month in Northeast Washington, according to an April 2 announcement by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The case centers on violent incidents that authorities say took place on March 4 and March 6. The indictment accuses Simpson of multiple counts including carjacking, interfering with interstate commerce by robbery under the Hobbs Act, using a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, and fleeing law enforcement officers.
Three counts also name Jayvaun Brown, 20, another D.C. resident. Brown faces charges for interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, and fleeing from police. His first court appearance is scheduled for April 2.
Court documents state that on March 4 shortly after noon, someone lured a pizza delivery driver to the unit block of Webster Street NE under false pretenses before robbing him at gunpoint and stealing his Toyota Corolla. Two days later at the same location, investigators allege that someone similarly lured a freelance barber before robbing him and shooting him several times as he tried to escape; his black Infiniti G37X was also taken.
On March 9 around 10:20 p.m., police spotted the stolen Infiniti speeding on Florida Avenue NE and pursued it through city streets until it crashed into a U.S. Park Police cruiser near M Street NW after an occupant allegedly threw out what was later identified as a Hammerli TAC R1 .22 LR caliber rifle.
Authorities apprehended Simpson shortly after the crash while Brown was located nearby in a parking garage. The FBI Washington Field Office is investigating along with U.S. Park Police and Metropolitan Police Department; Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Levy is prosecuting the case.
Officials remind that charges in an indictment are allegations only; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
