Wagswoofs – District officials addressed the tragic incident of a 13-year-old who lost their life in a carjacking in downtown D.C. They provided details about the victim and the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate event.
On the previous night, Vernard Toney Jr. was shot on D Street NW in the Penn Quarter area and sadly passed away on Sunday. According to the police, Toney and another young person attempted to carjack an off-duty federal security officer. As one of the juveniles held his hand in his pocket as if he had a gun, the officer fired his weapon. This resulted in Toney being shot, while the other individual fled the scene.
According to a letter sent to families by his principal, Toney was an intelligent, humorous and gifted seventh grader who attended Kelly Miller Middle School in Northeast D.C.
According to the letter, Vernard possessed a natural talent for comedy and had a passion for making others laugh. He particularly enjoyed joking about being the principal of Kelly Miller MS. Additionally, Vernard was an avid basketball player who spent his leisure time on the court with his buddies.
According to two sources who are familiar with the investigation, Toney had faced allegations in a series of carjackings in the past. The sources reveal that Toney, who was only 12 years old at the time, was apprehended in May for his involvement in a few armed carjackings that occurred in Southeast D.C. However, it remains unclear what the outcome of these cases was.
Mayor Muriel Bowser referred to Toney’s passing as a tragic event.
On Monday, she stated that a combination of guns, carjackings, and 13-year-olds is a recipe for tragedy, which is exactly what is happening.
Pamela Smith, the current Chief of Police, expressed her desire to show sensitivity towards Toney’s parents and classmates who are still mourning the loss.
In expressing her thoughts on the recent incident, she stated that the Metropolitan Police Department was already familiar with the individual involved. She went on to say that it was regrettable that the events that took place on Saturday resulted in his untimely passing.
The request for an interview with Toney’s family was declined.
13-year-old’s killing comes amid crime crisis in DC
According to crime statistics in D.C., there have been a total of 827 carjackings this year, with a staggering 74% of them involving guns. It’s concerning to note that the majority of those arrested for these crimes are under the age of 18.
On Monday, the D.C. Council committee meeting was focused on the pressing issue of the crime crisis in the city. The meeting brought together community members, leaders, and families of victims to discuss programs that aim to reduce violence.
According to Council Member Anita Bonds, many people express their concern over the increasing crime rate, which is driving away long-term residents from the city. She has been hearing this sentiment everywhere she goes.
According to the acting police chief, a few youthful individuals are accountable for numerous offenses in D.C.
She stated that it’s not just all about their juveniles. According to her, there is only a small number of juveniles who are causing trouble. She also mentioned that the majority of young people in the District of Columbia are exceptional and remarkable individuals.
The off-duty officer who opened fire has not faced any charges as of Monday evening.
Toney’s fellow students were provided with counseling services.
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