According to court documents filed on Wednesday, a federal contract worker allegedly stole an FBI agent’s car from the bureau’s headquarters in Washington and attempted to gain entry to a restricted facility before being apprehended by authorities.
The suspect, identified as John C. Worrell III, was employed at FBI headquarters and reportedly drove the agent’s car out of the bureau’s garage using keys left inside the vehicle by the agent. Investigators noted that leaving keys in vehicles is a common practice due to limited parking, and Worrell possessed a contractor access badge.
Worrell is now facing charges of theft of government property and transportation of stolen property. His father, John Worrell Jr., stated that his son had been under significant personal stress recently and had no animosity towards the government or FBI, nor was he associated with any particular group. Worrell’s attorney, Jay Mykytiuk, indicated that he was still familiarizing himself with the details of the case and had no immediate comment.
Following the discovery of the missing car, FBI police reviewed surveillance footage, which showed the vehicle leaving the garage. Worrell reportedly drove the car to the FBI facility in Vienna, Virginia, where he presented the agent’s credentials and claimed to have a classified meeting. However, security personnel challenged him when he could not produce an access card.
Upon his arrest, Worrell was found wearing the agent’s jacket and glasses. He admitted to taking the car from the FBI garage, and during a search of the vehicle, police discovered a handgun magazine belonging to the FBI agent in a fanny pack.
Worrell informed authorities that he believed he had been receiving coded messages indicating he was in danger and was attempting to reach a secure facility where he could feel safe. It was revealed that he had previously visited the Vienna site as part of his job working for an outside government contractor assigned to FBI headquarters.
This incident underscores the importance of security measures and vigilance within federal facilities.