Maryland Teen Arrested for 121 Car Break-Ins, Back on the Street in Five Hours [WATCH]

A 16-year-old male in Maryland was arrested last week in connection with a string of car break-ins affecting multiple counties but was released just hours after his arrest, according to local authorities.

The teen is accused of being involved in 121 separate incidents, yet was released due to the classification of the crimes as non-violent.

Laurel Police Chief Russ Hamill addressed the case in a news conference, confirming the teen had been taken into custody following a surge of reported car break-ins on the night of May 4.

Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

Incidents were reported across Laurel, with additional thefts in both Prince George’s County and Howard County.

Surveillance footage reviewed by law enforcement captured a group of three teenagers walking through neighborhoods, breaking vehicle windows, and stealing valuables.

“They were just simply going through neighborhoods and targets of opportunity, breaking into cars,” Hamill said.

“If there was something in there, they’d steal. If there was nothing in there, they’d move to another car.”

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Police used the surveillance footage to identify one of the teens and executed a search warrant at his residence.

There, officers recovered credit cards, car keys, and various stolen property.

“We were able to link him to all 121 events throughout the region,” Hamill stated.

BREAKING: 16-year-old boy RELEASED just hours after he was arrested for BREAKING INTO 121 CARS in ONE NIGHT

The break-ins happened overnight from May 3 to May 4

Laurel Police say they identified the group’s leader after a weeks-long investigation

The 16-year-old was… pic.twitter.com/bsVyDqtq2y

— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) May 29, 2025

Despite the extensive list of alleged break-ins, the teen had no prior criminal record, and authorities determined he was not a flight risk.

As a result, he was released back into the community.

“Yes, five hours after we were at his house, he 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,” Hamill added.

When asked about the decision to release the suspect, officials cited the classification of the charges as “lower-level” non-violent crimes.

Chief Hamill pushed back on the rationale, noting the volume of cases should not be dismissed so easily.

“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.”

Laurel Police Department Chief Russ Hammill said he is extremely frustrated with Maryland’s “catch-and-release” policy for juveniles

“I have little hope there will be further accountability for him due to this broken system,” he said.

“They consider this a lower-level crime.… pic.twitter.com/UrKnLFzcWS

— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) May 29, 2025

The following night, 17 additional vehicle break-ins were reported in the same area, though police have not definitively linked the teen to those incidents.

“We’re not gonna lay every theft from auto in the region on him and his group, but I will note we had 17 the next night,” Hamill stated.

Two other teenagers are believed to have participated in the crime spree. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing as they work to identify all individuals involved.

According to ABC 7, the 16-year-old faces charges related to motor vehicle theft and numerous counts of theft from automobiles.

Police have not released the names of any of the suspects due to their juvenile status. Investigators continue to examine evidence and surveillance footage from multiple neighborhoods.

Laurel Police urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, particularly during overnight hours when many of the break-ins are believed to have occurred.

Connect with Vetted Off-Duty Cops to Instantly Fulfill Your Security Needs

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.