The United States Marshals Service has joined the search for a man accused of carrying armed carjackings at luxury car dealerships in Maryland and Virginia.
Joe Cofer, 38, of Washington, D.C., is wanted on felony carjacking charges.
According to court filings, on June 29, Cofer walked into Audi Bethesda in Montgomery County, Maryland, and requested a test drive of a gray Audi S5.
According to investigators, employees noted Cofer had noticeable cuts and bruises on his arms and was wearing a medical bracelet, yet he was allowed to drive nevertheless.
While test driving, the employee accompanying him stated that Cofer made an odd request, asking him to take pictures of him behind the wheel for his wife.
The employee apparently felt nervous and removed the key fob before exiting the vehicle to take the photos.
After returning Cofer’s cell phone, authorities said Cofer showed the employee what appeared to be a small black and gray revolver and urged him to “walk away.”
Cofer then drove away in his Audi, while the employee returned to the dealership and dialed 911.
At the scene, police authorities and Audi personnel uncovered a new twist.
According to court filings, they discovered that Cofer arrived at Audi Bethesda in another Audi that had been reported stolen the day before from Audi of Tysons Corner in Vienna, Virginia, 11 miles away.
According to Deputy Marshal Jennifer Mazza, Virginia investigators discovered an Audi had been stolen in the same fashion.
Investigators said a CCTV image of the suspect from the Virginia dealership matched the information provided by Cofer.
According to court filings, officials used Audi Connect technology to locate the stolen vehicle roughly six miles away in Washington, D.C.
Investigators stated they subsequently learned this location was near to where Cofer had allegedly been involved in a vandalism incident days earlier on June 26 in Silver Spring, Maryland.
In that case, investigators said Cofer shattered a window, lost a lot of blood, and was brought to the hospital.
“Investigators noted the injuries were consistent with the injuries noticed by employees at the dealership,” Mazza stated.
According to court filings, officers retrieved the stolen Audi in Washington, D.C., but Cofer was not found at the location.
A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Even months later, Cofer remains at large.
Authorities warn that Cofer should be considered armed and dangerous and that he has a long criminal record.
According to court filings, Cofer has a history of burglary, larceny, fraud and identity theft, violence, restricted dangerous substance crimes, and stolen vehicle offenses.
According to records, he was previously detained and charged with felony unlawful taking of a motor vehicle in 2009 and 2010, as well as a fugitive from justice charge in 2011.
The US Marshals Service is asking anyone with information on Cofer’s whereabouts to call 202-819-5058.
Tipsters can remain anonymous, and a reward may be offered.
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