Arlington County Police have announced the arrest of Leah Elaine Johnson, 26, of Washington, DC, in connection with a carjacking that occurred in the Colonial Village neighborhood on August 31, 2026. Johnson faces charges of Carjacking from the Arlington County Police Department, along with Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle and No Driver’s License from the Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority Police Department. She is currently held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.
The incident took place around 4:56 p.m. on August 31 in the 2100 block of 19th Street N. The victim was approached from behind by the suspect, who attempted to engage her in conversation. As the victim walked towards her vehicle, the suspect followed, made a threatening statement, and demanded her keys before stealing them, entering the vehicle, and fleeing the scene.
On September 1, the Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority Police Department located the stolen vehicle and conducted a traffic stop, detaining Johnson. Arlington detectives subsequently linked her to the carjacking and secured a warrant for her arrest.
This remains an active criminal investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Tip Line at 703-228-4180 or ACPDTipline@arlingtonva.us. Information can also be provided anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline.