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Joe Cofer, a 38-year-old man from Washington D.C., remains at large and is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service on felony carjacking charges. Cofer is accused of orchestrating armed carjackings at luxury car dealerships in Maryland and Virginia, specifically targeting Audi vehicles. The primary incident occurred on June 29 at Audi Bethesda in Montgomery County, Maryland. According to court documents, Cofer entered the dealership using his own identification and requested a test drive of a gray Audi S5. Although employees noted visible cuts, bruises, and a hospital bracelet on Cofer, they permitted the test drive. During the drive, Cofer asked an accompanying employee to take photos of him behind the wheel. When the employee stepped out to comply, Cofer revealed a handgun, ordered the employee to walk away, and fled in the stolen vehicle. Investigators later determined that the Audi Cofer drove away in had been stolen a day earlier from Audi of Tysons Corner in Vienna, Virginia, in a similar manner. Using Audi Connect technology, authorities tracked the stolen vehicle to Washington D.C., where it was recovered, but Cofer was not present. Prior to the carjackings, Cofer was allegedly involved in a vandalism incident in Silver Spring, Maryland, on June 26, where he broke a window and sustained injuries consistent with those seen at the dealership. Cofer has a significant criminal history, including past convictions for burglary, larceny, fraud, identity theft, assault, controlled dangerous substance violations, and stolen auto offenses. He was previously arrested for felony unlawful taking of a motor vehicle in 2009 and 2010, and charged as a fugitive from justice in 2011. Authorities warn that Cofer should be considered armed and dangerous. The U.S. Marshals Service is urging anyone with information regarding Cofer’s whereabouts to contact them at 202-819-5058. Tipsters may remain anonymous, and a reward may be available for information leading to his arrest.
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