Teen arrested after attempted theft of Montgomery County Police K-9 cruiser

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — A 16-year-old boy faces multiple charges after a series of crimes committed last month. The crimes include a high-speed chase, auto theft, and an attempt to steal a Montgomery County Police K-9 cruiser.

Just before 5:30 a.m. July 17, officers from the Gaithersburg Police Department spotted a stolen Ford F-150 in the area of Travis Avenue. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver refused to pull over and sped away, prompting a pursuit.

The stolen vehicle was soon spotted by a K-9 officer near 355 North and Appledowre Way. The officer turned on their emergency lights and initiated a chase. The suspect, driving at high speeds, eventually crashed into a curb, disabling the truck near Watkins Mill Road and Watkins Mill Place.

This is when the driver got out and started to run away from the crash. According to the police department, the officer chased after the suspect, who ran toward the police cruiser in an attempt to steal it. The officer managed to stop the theft and apprehend the teen.

The suspect was taken into custody, where he was charged with multiple auto theft-related offenses, traffic violations, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Following processing, the teenager was released into the custody of his parent or guardian.

The boy will not be identified due to his age.