5 Teens, Including 13-Year-Old, Arrested for Attempted Carjacking in Towson. BALTIMORE — Baltimore County police reported that five teenagers were taken into custody during an attempted carjacking in Towson on Saturday, Nov. 30.
According to officers, the incident happened at approximately 8 p.m. on the 800 block of Dulaney Valley Road close to Towson Town Center.
Officers said that they had detained a 13-year-old boy, two 15-year-old males, a 17-year-old girl, and a 16-year-old guy.
Four of the five teenagers are also suspected of being involved in an assault that occurred in the neighborhood on Friday, November 29, according to the police.
Investigations are ongoing into the attack and carjacking, and anyone with information is urged to contact 410-887-2277.
Neighbors respond
In certain places, crimes like theft and youth carjackings are becoming all too common. Six teenagers were taken into custody in August for a series of robberies, including one at The Fresh Market, located in the 800 block of Dulaney Valley Road.
Off-camera, a few neighbors told WJZ that they were anxious about Monday’s local shopping. Before returning home, some claimed to have hurriedly completed their errands.
Others told WJZ they weren’t afraid, but they were cautious.
Rick from Towson stated, “Well, it worries me, but I don’t live in fear.” “I believe it’s excellent to be conscious, simply pay attention, and be aware of your surroundings. Nothing negative has happened to me yet.
NAACP calls for further investigation
In a statement released after the arrest, the Randallstown NAACP urged the Commission on Juvenile Reform, the Judiciary Committee, and the Judicial Proceedings to look into the matter.
The statement said all five of the arrested teenagers had previously dealt with the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) and law enforcement.
“This continues to play out in communities across the state adversely affecting businesses and the communities,” the statement stated. “We now live in a state where violent juveniles are allowed to carjack and commit violent acts against innocent Marylanders.”
In the statement, Randallstown NAACP calls for an investigation into why the teens were not given resources to divert them away from the juvenile justice system and to a productive life. Officials also want to know why the teens have not been held accountable and why they were not previously detained.
“We hope leaders will make swift changes to the juvenile justice system to close the gaps and protect the innocent Marylanders,” officials said in the statement.
Juvenile crime in Maryland
Legislators in Maryland have been attempting to combat the rise in juvenile criminality for some time.
Changes to state juvenile justice rules went into effect in November, allowing charges to be brought against minors between the ages of 10 and 12 for offenses like illegal gun ownership and sexual assaults.
By mandating that documentation pertaining to minors in custody arrive at the State’s Attorney’s Office within two days, the amendments also expedited the juvenile justice system.
Ivan Bates, the state attorney for Baltimore City, stated, “Previously, the paperwork would arrive at our office perhaps 25 days, 50 days, or 75 days later.”
According to the State’s Attorney’s Office, arrests for minor crimes in Baltimore City rose 146% in 2024 over the previous year.
One of the reasons why kids and teenagers are getting into so much trouble, according to Bates, is truancy.
Bates responded to a number of questions from Denise Koch on WJZ’s all-local news at six, expressing cautious optimism that the state’s department of juvenile services’ reforms will have an impact.
When it comes to what will happen with young people, the police department and the state’s attorney’s office have distinct seats at the table. With what’s happening with DJS, we have additional checks and balances. We’re talking more and discussing how to hold youth accountable,” Bates stated. “The genie is out of the bottle, and we have to now reign it back in to hold the young people accountable.”
Several recent incidents involving juveniles prompted Baltimore police and residents to partner on an initiative called Safe Growth which aims to curb crime by improving lighting, adding cameras and stopping illegal dumping.
The program is currently underway in seven Baltimore city neighborhoods and has been used in communities across the world, including in New York City and Madison, Wisconsin.
