DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann granted a carjacking defendant’s request for release after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing on June 2.
Manuel Alvarado, 41, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 1500 block of 7th Street, SE, on April 26, 2023.
According to court documents, the victim was driving his white sedan when he saw the defendant under the influence of drugs in the middle of the street. The victims decided to give him some water, but the man jumped into the victim’s car and drove away.
Later that day, police found the car crashed at a stoplight in Vienna, Virginia. Police determined the driver to be Alvarado, and he was taken to the hospital for his injuries.
During the hearing, Quiana Harris, Alvarado’s attorney, alerted Judge Herrmann of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and requested he be released as he awaits further proceedings.
The prosecution argued that carjacking is a serious crime and that Alvarado should not be released back into the community as he remains a threat to public safety. The prosecution pointed out Alvarado’s previous offenses, including theft and unlawful entry, in order to emphasize the threat he posed.
Harris maintained that there was no allegation of an assault or weapon used during the incident, pointing out the lack of violence. Further, Harris acknowledged her client’s struggles with housing problems and added that his previous offenses were not violent but symptomatic of someone experiencing homelessness.
Harris also revealed Alvarado is facing mental health and substance abuse issues, and had a limited memory of events from 2023. As a result, she requested that he be screened and placed in a bed-to-bed treatment facility instead of being immediately released into the community. The prosecution agreed to Harris’ request but that he remain held until a bed becomes available.
Judge Herrmann referred to Alvarado’s actions as “not your average carjacking.” She stated that it appeared as a crime of opportunity and did not believe that Alvarado was a major threat to the community, noting that his last conviction was almost ten years ago.
Judge Herrmann ordered that Alvarado undergo drug testing, mental health assessments, and have no contact with the victim. Further, he was ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). Judge Herrmann ordered Alvarado to deal with an outstanding warrant from Vienna, Virginia when he is released.
Parties are slated to reconvene on June 9.
