Washington, DC – In a tragic incident yesterday (March 23), a 66-year old, Mohammed Anwar, of Springfield, Virginia, died in an armed carjacking in the Southeast area of DC.
According to a statement posted by the Metropolitan Police Department, “Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch announce two arrests have been made in reference to a Homicide and Armed Carjacking (Taser) offense that occurred on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, in the 1200 block of Van Street, Southeast.”
Giving details of the fatal episode, the MPD said. “At approximately 4:31 pm, members of the First District responded to listed location for the report of a motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival, members located an adult male suffering from life-threatening injuries. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the victim to an area hospital for treatment. After all life saving efforts failed, the victim was pronounced dead.”
The Detectives’ investigation on the scene revealed that the suspects assaulted the victim with a taser during the carjacking which resulted in a motor vehicle accident.
“On Tuesday, March 23, 2021, a 13 year-old juvenile female, of Southeast, DC, and a 15 year-old juvenile female, of Fort Washington, MD, were arrested and charged with Felony Murder and Armed Carjacking (Taser),” added the MPD statement. Authorities did not identify the girls because they are charged as juveniles.
The MPD identified the deceased as 66 year-old Mohammad Anwar, of Springfield, VA, who was a grandfather and a family man, according to community sources.
Community and Family Friends React
Expressing her condolences, Aisha Khan, a personal family friend and Member, Democratic State Central Committee told IAT: “I got the sad news about the death of Chaudhry Anwar a Pakistani American last night. It’s a sad time for the family. Anwar is the brother in law of Chaudry Akbar, a well known Pakistani businessman and community leader based in Virginia. I have known Anwar’s sister and family for a long time.”
Highlighting that “Anwar’s death was a result of a carjacking in Washington DC and both the accused teenagers are arrested,” Aisha cautioned, “This incident teaches us to be watchful for the people with bad intentions.”
Aisha, a close family friend and representing Baltimore County Democratic State Central Committee, said, “My sympathies are with Chaudhry Anwar’s family.”
Reacting to the sad news for the community, Surinder P. Singh, Chairman, the South Asian Community Centre (SACC) in Maryland expressed shock over the death of Anwar— a Pakistani Uber Eats driver.
SACC extended its deepest condolences to the victim’s family as Chairman Singh stated, “Our heartfelt condolences to the victims and their loved ones. All concerned Americans from all religious or non-religious traditions need to step up and support the victim’s family.”
SACC stands in solidarity with all brothers and sisters across America, who continue to be impacted by incidents of violence.
A Gofundme page has been launched where a statement reads: “Mohammad Anwar was a hard-working Pakistani immigrant who came to the United States to create a better life for him and his family. He was simply at work yesterday evening.”
“Anwar was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend who always provided a smile when you needed one. He leaves behind a family, near and far, who cherish, love, and miss him dearly,” it added.
Reflecting the family’s emotional trauma, the page noted: “Words can not describe how our family is feeling currently. Devastation, confusion, shock, anger, heartache, and anguish are just a few that come to mind. We will carry him with us always, but it doesn’t take the pain away of losing him so tragically and so unexpectedly soon.”