EDGEWOOD, MD—The Harford County Sheriff’s Office has made arrests in two separate incidents involving juvenile motor vehicle thefts.

At just before 1:45 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024, deputies responded to a report of a stolen white Kia Optima on Harford Square Drive in Edgewood. When police intervened, the vehicle fled, resulting in 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. As the chase ended, 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 a Baltimore City addresses, were promptly apprehended, charged, and released into the custody of their parents. Following a search of the stolen automobile, authorities found Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) and two live 9mm rounds.

In a second incident, at just after 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, deputies received an alert from a License Plate Reader (LPR) indicating that a stolen 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 in the stolen vehicle, all with Baltimore City 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.

Over 60% of auto theft arrests made by the Harford County Sheriff’s Office in 2023 involved juvenile offenders.

“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,” said Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler.”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.”

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