Teen Breaks Into 121 Cars In One Night, Then Walks Free

A 16-year-old has been arrested by police in Maryland after he allegedly broke into 121 vehicles in a single night. That’s a staggering amount and the teen is now facing a long list of charges.

The investigation is still underway, but the Laurel Police Department said the crime spree began on May 4 and hit their city as well as surrounding areas. Authorities were eventually able to identify the suspect and they executed a search warrant on his residence in Beltsville on May 28.

More: Vandals Break Into Over 25 Cars, All On One Chicago Street

Police said the teen was in possession of numerous credit cards as well as the key to a stolen vehicle used in the crime spree. Authorities also found “keys to 25 other vehicles and several stolen items.” Police are now working to identify the owners of the stolen property and return their belongings to them.

The teen was taken into custody and he’ll face charges of motor vehicle theft as well as multiple counts of theft from an automobile. Authorities also noted two of his accomplices have been identified and were slated to be arrested.

Laurel Police Department

Unfortunately, it seems like they’ll get a slap on the wrists. Speaking at a press conference, Laurel Police Chief Russ Hamill said the teen only spent five hours in custody as he was ordered to be released by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services.

Police protested, but officials claimed the teen had no prior record, didn’t commit a violent crime, and wasn’t a flight risk. This understandably has people upset as the teen allegedly committed at least 121 crimes in a single night. As Hamill noted, that’s a heck of a criminal record.