Aniq-Kai Covington, a 16-year-old from Washington, D.C., faces charges as an adult in connection with an armed carjacking incident that occurred on August 13, 2024. The charges were formally announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Court documents reveal that on the night of the incident, police responded to reports of a carjacking in the 2700 block of 31st Street S.E. The victim recounted being approached by at least two suspects while waiting in their vehicle for a family member. One suspect allegedly pointed a firearm at the victim and demanded they exit the vehicle while another attempted to open the passenger door. After complying, the victim was reportedly robbed of their wallet and cell phone before the suspects fled in their car.
Shortly after officers arrived on scene, they located the stolen vehicle unoccupied in the 2500 block of High Street S.E. A forensic examination identified a latent fingerprint on the interior passenger's side door handle matching Covington's.
Covington appeared in court where he was ordered detained pending further proceedings. A preliminary hearing is set for February 14, 2025.
The investigation is ongoing under the Metropolitan Police Department's jurisdiction with Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Winer handling prosecution duties.
Authorities emphasize that these charges are allegations and remind that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.