A 16-year-old boy from Maryland who was arrested in connection with over 100 vehicle break-ins in one night was released just five hours later, sparking outrage from local law enforcement.
The teen, whose identity has not been made public due to his age, was taken into custody by the Laurel Police Department following a wave of car break-ins reported on May 4 in Laurel and neighboring Howard County. According to officials, surveillance footage showed three suspects in a stolen vehicle moving through residential areas and smashing car windows.
Authorities searched the teen’s residence and recovered nearly 20 car key sets, credit cards, and other items allegedly linked to the thefts, reports Fox.
Despite what Laurel Police Chief Russ Hamill described as overwhelming evidence, the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services declined to hold the teen. Because he had no prior criminal history, the state deemed the offenses “lower level” and released him.
“I have little hope there will be further accountability for him due to this broken system,” Hamill told reporters. “Due to this gap in concern for his safety, and the public’s safety.”
Hamill noted that in his view, the volume of incidents should have justified stricter action. “I would offer well over 100 cases in one night, gives you a pretty good record,” he said. “These were not violent crimes, as if that lessens the impact on those 121 victims.”
The chief confirmed that two other teens suspected of being involved have been identified and that arrests are expected.
In a statement criticizing the justice system, Hamill said the teen was released “back into the community, back into the environment that allowed him to be out roaming the streets in all of these counties, late at night and in the early morning, doing these crimes to begin with.”
On the night following the teen’s release, Hamill said police received reports of 17 more car break-ins. While he didn’t directly blame the released suspect, he noted the coincidence.
“We’re not going to lay every theft from auto in the region on him and his group, but I will note we had 17 the next night,” Hamill said.
As of now, no further charges have been filed, and police say they are continuing the investigation.
