Woman dies after SUV she was in was stolen from hospital and crashed into building, police say

A woman died after the SUV she was in was stolen from a hospital and then crashed into the corner of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in downtown Washington, D.C., police said Monday.

The victim, whose name was not immediately released, was in the vehicle at MedStar Washington Hospital when another woman got in and left, Washington Deputy Police Chief Darnel said. Robinson, during a press briefing, calling the events a “tragedy.”

The incident happened around 1:11 p.m. Monday, police said in a post on X, adding that someone reported an “elderly relative” was inside the SUV at the time .

The SUV crashed into the U.S. Attorney’s Office building at 6th and D streets NW, police said.

A patrol officer who was nearby saw the crash through a rearview mirror and the driver got out and tried to run away, Robinson said. The officer stopped the driver for questioning, he said.

Police have not named the driver.

Investigators were trying to determine whether the driver knew the victim was inside the SUV and whether the vehicle was moving at the time of the theft, Robinson said.

Police will consult with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to determine potential charges, he said.

Carjackings more than doubled in the nation’s capital last year, according to NBC Washington. Since the start of the year, car thefts have fallen by 33% compared to the same period last year, according to police data.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com