A carjacking defendant entered a guilty plea and was released to report for treatment at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW) by DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on July 7.
Roscoe Davis, 38, was originally charged with unarmed carjacking for his involvement in a carjacking turned car accident on the 6900 Block of Piney Branch Road, NW, on May 16.
One of the victims, an Uber driver, identified Davis as the customer who stole his vehicle. According to court documents, Davis refused to exit his car once reaching his destination. Then the Uber driver drove to the Fourth District Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) station. The Uber driver exited the vehicle to report the defendant. Davis proceeded to move into the driver’s seat and drove away from the police station. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle was discovered in an accident that damaged multiple cars.
On the scene, officers found documents of prescribed medication indicating that the defendant was operating the vehicle under the influence.
Davis pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a vehicle, first-degree theft, and misdemeanor destruction of property.
During the hearing, Davis’ attorney, Thomas Key, asked if the court could transfer the defendant to a mental health facility.
According to Key, Davis was in the process of transferring treatment facilities when the incident occurred. Key further explained Davis was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and was a substance user. Once driven to the police station, the defendant acted in fear, said Key. He requested Davis be allowed to check himself into PIW for treatment.
The court released the defendant under the conditions that he checks into Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW) within 24 hours of his release and checks with Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) beforehand.
Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Sept. 25.
