Two 11-Year-Old Boys Detained in Maryland for Car Break-Ins

On Tuesday, two 11-year-old boys were briefly held by a sheriff’s office in Maryland after they were caught breaking into several cars. However, they were released without any charges.

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the twins were taken into custody but were soon returned to their mother due to their age. The boys mentioned to deputies that they wanted to enter a car and “drive.” Notably, they had experienced legal troubles before, as they had been arrested for carjacking when they were just 9 years old.

“These two brothers were attempting to steal a car,” said HCSO Maj. Lee Dunbar, speaking to CBS Baltimore. “Can you imagine if they had actually gotten into a car and caused a high-speed chase in such a congested area like Bel Air during the morning rush? That would be incredibly dangerous, and it’s something our legislators should take into account.”

A new law, known as HB459, which passed in 2022, raised the minimum age for prosecuting juveniles to 13 for most crimes, except for the most serious violent offenses. This legislation was passed without the approval of then-Governor Larry Hogan.

Keith Smithson, a spokesperson for the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, stated, “In Maryland, children between the ages of 10 and 13 can only be charged with certain violent crimes like murder or rape. Those over 13 can face prosecution for most offenses, but anyone under 10 cannot be charged at all.”

Smithson also pointed out that, although the boys were arrested for their actions in 2024, they wouldn’t face charges if they had been successful in stealing a car. Shockingly, even if they caused injury or death while driving a stolen vehicle, prosecution would be impossible.

“For it to classify as a violent crime, there must be intent to kill,” Smithson explained.