Crime & Safety
Teen Accused Of Trying To Steal MOCO Police Cruiser
Police said a 16-year-old attempted to steal a Montgomery County police cruiser after authorities spotted him driving a stolen truck.
![A 16-year-old is facing numerous charges after authorities said he tried to steal a Montgomery County police cruiser following an attempted traffic stop.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/566479/20240802/125105/styles/patch_image/public/patch-stock-police-lights-crime-scene-fernandez___02125018951.jpg)
GAITHERSBURG, MD — A 16-year-old is facing numerous charges after authorities said he tried to steal a Montgomery County police cruiser following an attempted traffic stop.
According to police, the teen was driving a stolen Ford F-150 near Travis Avenue when Gaithersburg police attempted to stop him shortly before 5:30 a.m. Wednesday. Police said he refused to stop and continued driving at a high rate of speed.
Police later found the teen speeding near 355 North and Appledowre Way. Authorities pursued the truck which stopped after hitting a curb near Watkins Mill Road and Watkins Mill Place.
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According to police, the teen exited the truck and ran away. An officer chased the teen who, during the pursuit, ran toward the officer's patrol car, got in, and attempted to steal it, police said.
The officer successfully stopped the teen and took him into custody, police said.
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The teen's name was not released because he's a minor. According to police, he faces multiple counts of auto theft and traffic charges. He was also charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
The teen was later released to the custody of his parents, police said.
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