Gov. Moore orders new youth car theft directive in Montgomery County, Baltimore
Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued a new directive targeting youth-involved motor vehicle thefts, declaring that officials cannot wait for a tragic crash to intervene. The announcement follows a surge in juvenile car thefts across the DMV region involving youth as young as 12 and 13.
Governor Moore Orders Multi-Agency Intervention in Montgomery County and Baltimore
The directive instructs the Department of Juvenile Services to implement a three-part framework immediately in Montgomery County and Baltimore City, areas experiencing the sharpest increases in vehicle thefts compared to 2025. The initial phase establishes a pilot program for rapid, coordinated responses that connect at-risk children and their families with social service providers and law enforcement.
A second pathway focuses on early intervention for young children who commit related offenses but cannot be formally charged under current state laws. In the longer term, the state will explore adapting a model program similar to the Ramsey County Youth Auto Theft Intervention Project from St. Paul, Minnesota, which pairs law enforcement teams with community navigators.
🚨 MARYLAND: MOORE ORDERS NEW JUVENILE AUTO THEFT PROGRAMS AFTER DEADLY CRASHES — BUT NO NEW CRIMINAL PENALTIES OR DETENTION AUTHORITY.Gov. Wes Moore announced Tuesday that Maryland’s Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) must immediately establish pilot programs in Baltimore…
Recent Fatal Crashes Drive Urgency Across Maryland
The state action follows a series of fatal incidents in recent months. In August, a fiery crash in Germantown killed a father of five after a stolen vehicle carrying juveniles aged 12 to 15 struck his car. In September, three teens in a stolen Hyundai died on Interstate 395 following a police pursuit that began in Prince George’s County. The following day in Baltimore, a 12-year-old driving a stolen vehicle struck and killed a 69-year-old motorcyclist.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott expressed support for the governor’s actions, noting that a complete system overhaul is necessary to address the root causes of the crisis.
Legal and Law Enforcement Reactions to Juvenile Justice Reform
Jason Johnson with the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund stated that the directive misses the mark by failing to alter the foundational framework established by juvenile justice reforms passed in 2022. Under current Maryland law, children under 13 generally cannot face criminal charges except for specific serious offenses.
Governor Moore has requested a formal status report on the multi-agency initiative by December 1.
Today, I directed our Department of Juvenile Services to work in coordination with our law enforcement agencies and other state and local agencies to launch an immediate and targeted intervention to address youth-involved car thefts, including in Montgomery County and Baltimore…
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore ordered the Department of Juvenile Services, DJS, to immediately develop new pilot programs in Baltimore City and Montgomery County targeting children involved in motor vehicle thefts, including those who are too young to face criminal charges.…