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Baltimore Sheriff Says 10-Year-Old Who Crashed Stolen Car Will Not Be Charged

Maryland bars theft charges against children that young.

Overview

  • Deputies serving warrants spotted a Hyundai run a stop sign Wednesday in East Baltimore and kept up with it until it hit a stop sign and a fire hydrant at East 23rd and Barclay Streets, with no serious injuries reported.
  • After the crash, both boys ran, deputies caught the 10-year-old, the 12-year-old escaped, and the child was later released to a guardian.
  • Investigators said the Hyundai had been reported stolen in Parkville on Saturday and its ignition was broken, and they have not identified who took it.
  • Because Maryland only allows charges for violent or gun crimes at ages 10 to 12, prosecutors say the boy will not face a theft case.
  • The sheriff said he will seek a Child in Need of Supervision petition, not yet filed, and is developing a diversion pilot with the Maryland SPCA and BARCS to place youth in animal-care community service.