10-year-old taken into custody after crashing stolen car in East Baltimore
A new video surfacing on social media appears to show two young, unidentified children inside a vehicle before speeding off.
In the video, you can hear the kids shuffling around, talking and then taking off in the car.
The video comes nearly 24 hours after Baltimore City Sheriff deputies said they found a 10-year-old boy driving a stolen vehicle Wednesday morning. The passenger inside the car was 12 years old.
"This incident is deeply concerning, not just because a stolen vehicle was involved, but because a 10-year-old child was behind the wheel," said Baltimore City Sheriff Sam Cogen. "Thankfully, no one was seriously injured today, because this situation could have easily ended in tragedy for the child, his passenger, our deputies, or innocent members of the community."
10-year-old taken into custody
The 10-year-old was taken into custody after crashing the stolen car into a stop sign near 23rd and Barclay streets in East Baltimore, officials said. No serious injuries were reported.
"The deputies, they were out in East Baltimore, and they were serving warrants, and they noticed a Elantra — a Hyundai Elantra come past, and inside, they saw what they described as like this little head like barely above the steering wheel," said Sheriff Cogen.
Sheriff Cogen told WJZ that they are working to authenticate the video.
"The car was stolen. The ignition was popped out, so they knew that it was stolen. The car had been stolen from Parkville the previous Saturday night between like 11 and 12 at night," Cogen explained. "And we don't know if the 10-year-old and a 12-year-old were the ones who stole the car, but we know they were in the car that was stolen."
The 10-year-old has since been released to a guardian, officials said. The sheriff added that they are seeking a Child In Need of Supervision petition.
Cogen said they believe they know who the 12-year-old passenger is.
In a statement, he encouraged the community to help troubled youth.
"Our deputies responded quickly and professionally to stop a dangerous situation and protect the public," Cogan said. "But moments like this also remind us that enforcement alone cannot be the only answer. When children this young are becoming involved in criminal activity, it is a sign that intervention, mentorship, and support are critically needed."
The sheriff said the department is working with community organizations, such as the Maryland SPCA and the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS), to launch a juvenile diversion pilot program for young people to complete community service while working with and caring for animals.
"We believe programs like this can help create accountability, build empathy, and provide positive structure for youth who need guidance and support," Cogan said.
Neighbors react
WJZ asked neighbors on Thursday if they had seen the video or heard about Wednesday's incident.
Jennifer Arnold said that whether the incidents are related or not, both are alarming.
"They are using profanity and cussing and just driving like they having no fun in the car, like they don't have no care in the world about what they doing," said Arnold, a longtime Baltimore City resident.
"There really are things for children to do. What they shouldn't be doing, obviously, is stealing cars instead of being in school, you know, at 10 and 12 years old," said Cogen.
"Parents should be accountable for it, and somebody got to be accountable for it. I mean, I'm old, and I can't even drive that good," said Arnold. "Come on now, it's very disrespectful."
