The Harford County Sheriff’s Office reports the swift resolution of two separate incidents involving juvenile suspects in motor vehicle thefts, resulting in successful apprehensions and recoveries of stolen property.
On May 10, 2024, at approximately 1:40 PM, deputies responded to a report of a stolen white Kia Optima on Harford Square Drive in Edgewood. The vehicle fled upon attempted intervention, initiating a pursuit that traversed from Harford Square to the vicinity of Sterling Care on Belcamp Garth. The pursuit concluded with the occupants abandoning the vehicle and attempting to flee on foot. During the pursuit’s conclusion, a deputy’s vehicle was involved in a minor collision with the suspect vehicle, resulting in minimal damage to both vehicles. Two suspects, including the 13-year-old driver, with Baltimore City addresses, were promptly apprehended and charged and released into the custody of their parents. Following a search of the stolen auto, Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) and two live 9mm rounds were recovered.
Only 29 hours later, on May 11, 2024, at approximately 6:32 PM, deputies received an alert from a License Plate Reader (LPR) indicating a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was located on Brookside Drive, in Edgewood. A pursuit ensued, culminating in a crash at Route 40 and Joppa Farm Road involving a civilian vehicle. The three suspects within the stolen vehicle, all with Baltimore addresses, attempted to flee but were swiftly apprehended. Two juveniles were remanded into the custody of Juvenile Services and the third was released to the custody of their parents. During the apprehension, deputies recovered a Polymer 80 Glock handgun, a black Glock-style BB Gun, CDS, and stolen property from other robberies committed outside of Harford County.
Both incidents highlight the dedication of Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputies to public safety and the prompt apprehension of criminal suspects in cases of auto theft. Notably, over 60% of auto theft arrests made by the Sheriff’s Office in 2023 involved juvenile offenders. The collaboration of the community and the professionalism of all public safety personnel played crucial roles in the successful resolution of both incidents.
Sheriff Gahler stated, “Juvenile motor vehicle theft is a serious problem that not only endangers our communities but also puts the lives of the perpetrators and innocent civilians at risk. We remain proactive in our commitment to combatting such criminal activities and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of Harford County residents.”