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No officers were injured when three teen carjackers opened fire on them before barricading themselves into an area home on Tuesday and standing off with first responders.
Three teens - two of whom are already familiar with the police - will face charges after taking officers on a wild ride after stealing a Jeep Cherokee on Tuesday in the 4600 block of Northwood Drive, police say.
While on patrol looking for the stolen Jeep, officers spotted it, at which point the teens - ages 16, 17, and 18 - began shooting at the officers, striking their patrol vehicle, though no injuries were reported as they fled.
The teens were tracked to the 1800 block of Lydonlea Way, where they were seen getting into an area home. A SWAT team was called in and were able to secure the scene safely.
Two weapons were found inside the stolen Jeep, and the three were ultimately apprehended without further incident.
"Not only are individuals like these affecting the quality of life for all of Baltimore’s residents and visitors, they are also threatening the lives of the men and women who go out day-after-day to ensure the safety of our communities," acting Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said.
"Making these arrests is one step. The next step is ensuring these criminals stay in jail and are not permitted to repeat these actions."
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott called on the community to "build a different juvenile justice system from the ground up" that will hold juvenile offenders responsible.
"We are trapped in a cycle where the same young people are consistently involved in the wrong behavior, and it’s frustrating to keep trying to hold them accountable through (the department), only to have the system fail them. We can do better by them and the community," he said.
"We need commitment at the state level to completely rebuild this system and reimagine our approach."
Investigators made note that the 16-year-old has three prior arrests, including stolen auto, and the 17-year-old suspect had one prior arrest for a stolen vehicle. The third had no rap sheet until this incident.
Charges against the teens are pending.
"To create a safer Baltimore, we must address youth violence now, and it must begin with accountability," Baltimore State's Attorney Ivan Bates added. "We have to do more as a city and state to stem the rising tide of juvenile violence in our communities, with the understanding that it takes a village to raise a child.
"Yesterday's incident further highlights the need for substantial investment into our juvenile justice system."
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