NEW CARROLLTON, MD – The suspect in a fatal carjacking and multiple crimes in Washington D.C. and Prince George’s County, Maryland, over an 11-hour span was killed by law enforcement on Tuesday, according to authorities. The crime spree, characterized by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser as “senseless and tragic,” was allegedly carried out by 28-year-old Artell Cunningham from Suitland, Maryland.
Cunningham allegedly carjacked three individuals, attempted further carjackings, and shot two men, killing one. He is also accused of firing at police on several highways. These activities led to three police vehicles being hit, but no officers were injured.
The victim of the shooting was identified as Alberto Vasquez, a 35-year-old father of two, by his family. His mother pointed out the senseless nature of his death, noting that they gave up the car keys, but he was still shot.
The crime spree came to an end in New Carrollton when Cunningham, allegedly wielding two firearms, was fired upon by officers. Early indications suggest that the carjackings and shootings were not targeted. Based on statements by Executive Asst. Chief Jeffery Carroll, they were random criminal acts.
The first shooting occurred on a sidewalk in downtown D.C., where Cunningham reportedly got into a person’s car and shot the driver. This victim, identified as Mike Gill, a father of three, remained in critical condition as of Tuesday morning.
Cunningham attempted to carjack another individual on the same evening unsuccessfully. Shortly after, he shot and killed Vasquez during a dispute and drove off in the car.
The stolen vehicle was later found in the Takoma Park area. Here, Cunningham allegedly carjacked another vehicle, this time from a rideshare driver, and headed toward Baltimore.
The suspect’s damaging run eventually met a brutal end in New Carrollton hours later when he brandished two handguns at law enforcement, prompting them to fire. Cunningham was transported to a hospital, where he was officially pronounced dead.
Two handguns recovered from the scene are under investigation by the state attorney general’s office. Officers involved were equipped with body cameras, but it’s unclear whether the shooting was captured.
Police surmise that Cunningham may have been mentally ill.