Multiple Assault, Armed Robbery Charges Filed In 2 Carjackings: Police

ROCKVILLE, MD — Montgomery County Police arrested a suspect in connection two strong-arm carjackings that occurred last November in the Wheaton and Rockville areas.

Officers responded around 7:42 p.m., on Nov. 7, 2023 to the 3100 block of McMahon Road for the report of a carjacking. Investigators determined that the victim was at the trunk of her 2013 Nissan Sentra, when she was approached by five men wearing all-black clothing and black ski masks. The victim told police that one of the suspects pointed a handgun at her and demanded she hand over her car keys. When she complied, one suspect poked her with a knife while the others demanded her cellphone, which she gave to them. The suspects drove of in the Sentra.

In the second incident, Rockville City Police responded around 9:15 p.m., on Nov. 8, 2023, to the are of Leonard Court for a report of an armed carjacking.

Three men dressed in dark clothing and masks approached the victim who was sitting in her parked 2017 Honda Pilot, according to investigators. Two of the suspects with handguns approached the driver's side of the Pilot, while the third approached the passenger's side. When they demanded that the driver take them to her bank, the victim ran away and called police. The suspect drove of with the victim's Pilot.

Through their investigation, detectives identified 18-year-old Joseph De-La-Paz as one of the suspects in the case. After obtaining an arrest warrant on Jan. 5., they arrested De-La-Paz and took him to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where he was charged on multiple counts of armed carjacking, armed robbery, and assault, as well as other firearm-related charges. He remains in custody without bond.

Police are still looking for the other suspects involved in the two carjackings. Anyone with information about this cas or the identity of the other suspects is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, Maryland website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org (http://www.crimesolversmcmd.org/) and click on the “www.p3tips.com (http://www.p3tips.com/)” link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477. A reward of up to $10,000 is offered for information leading to the suspects’ arrest. Tips may remain anonymous.