A 12-year-old girl in Washington, D.C., has been charged in connection with a string of robberies that targeted adults in the city — an alarming case that’s sparked outrage and concern over youth crime in the nation’s capital.
Police say the girl was involved in two separate incidents on October 5 in Northeast D.C., near the NoMa neighborhood and the Metropolitan Branch Trail. In one case, a group of juveniles allegedly threw a bicycle into the street to stop a man riding home, stealing his groceries before fleeing. Less than half an hour later, the same group reportedly tried to rob a man on a scooter, grabbing his backpack and phone before officers arrived.
According to Fox 5, the 12-year-old was later arrested and charged in connection with both robberies. While one downtown incident involving a firearm remains under investigation, police have not confirmed whether the young suspect is connected to that case.
Residents say they’re shocked that someone so young could be involved in such serious crimes. “Twelve years old? That’s heartbreaking,” one neighbor told reporters. “We need more for these kids — something to keep them off the streets.”
The case adds to growing concerns about the rise in juvenile crime across D.C., where city leaders and police have struggled to balance accountability with rehabilitation for offenders as young as middle school age.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.
