Carjack/Kidnapping Victim Gives Account of Crime

The victim in the June 3 carjacking/kidnapping at Benjamin Banneker Park has written to correct inaccuracies in our earlier story.  Here is her account of the crime.  At her request, we are continuing to withhold her name from publication.

“I was parked on the corner of Van Buren and 18th Street facing east on the Arlington side. (It took place in Arlington County.)  I had not been in the west side of the woods but had made a quick loop by the east side playground and over the bridge up by the soccer field, turning around and walking the path straight back out (west) to Van Buren Street (in Falls Church City) and to my car by turning right onto 18th.

“An African-American man I had seen earlier wearing gray athletic pants and sweatshirt (perhaps cut off at the elbows) rushed at me from across Van Buren on the west side of the street — I think he had been hiding behind a tree. Luckily I was on my cell phone with [my husband] when the man charged at me and punched me fist-first in the face while holding my shirt. He was angry, really enraged and he punched me two more times in the face as I screamed and fought. He said ‘Get in the car,’ but had difficulty with the ignition switch. My cell phone was on the floor and my husband heard me scream. [My husband] jumped in his car and called the Falls Church Police, but by the time he arrived I was gone.

“The entire process from [my husband's] phone call until the run to La Cote d’Or Bistro took only five minutes total! 2:29 p.m. until 2:34 p.m. — that is all.

“It was an unreal experience to say the least. Blood was running down my face onto my shorts and I knew I had to get out but he was so strong — holding my wrist and I was screaming ‘Help me, help me!.’

“I saw no one . . . he then hit the gas and I was able to leap over the front seat into the back. He said ‘Don’t you jump out!’ and we flew from zero to 60 as he turned left up the first street off of 18th (Underwood I think) and ran the stop sign on Westmoreland (goes to the Metro and Sycamore Street if you turn right or to La Cote d’Or if you go left.)  Instead he went all the way up the hill by the Metro electric towers and blessedly hit a T. He turned left and said, ‘Put up the [convertible] top.’

“This was my move because the top only goes up when the car is in park. He slowed when the circle hit Westmoreland and saw all the construction — I jumped out as the car slowed to about 15 miles per hour. I ran to the site and NO construction workers would help – so I ran back to the middle of the street where I saw a car with a man calling 911 (he was a retired Arlington County detective!).

“I ran into La Cote d’Or to see Lynn, Raymond and their daughter Vanessa (the owners) – we have known them for decades– and they called 911, [my husband's] cell and put ice bags on my face. It was a mess and I was scared to death!

“The police were amazing and the care I received was excellent.

“Our beautiful and safe neighborhood — the park I had gone to for over 25 years — so very sad. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that I made it out and I don’t want anyone to go through such a frightful experience again.

“It is my hope that we can take back our park. Do not walk alone — you cannot believe how fast this guy charged me; it all happened instantly. I was shocked to find my daily walk turned into a nightmare because one man punched me repeatedly in the face and took my car and kidnapped me!

“I am healing well — swollen face, no broken jaw, neck injury, bruises all over my body from the struggle – and I thank God for the strength to get out. Those first few minutes are crucial to escape.

“Again, thank you for listening — and please feel free to contact me with any questions. Yes, we need a meeting — and we need to take back our park — safety in numbers.  We are sad to say, it may not be the last time this happens.”