A suspect was apprehended in Maryland after intentionally crashing a stolen car into police cruisers at a Taco Bell drive-thru in Prince George’s County. The incident, which was captured on video obtained by FOX 5 DC, took place at a fast-food restaurant on Branch Avenue in Marlow Heights, Maryland. The suspect, who was driving a stolen 2011 Hyundai Tiburon, remains unidentified at this time. Multiple police cruisers from the Marlow Heights Police Department sustained damage as a result of the collision, with one vehicle being completely totaled. Following the incident, one officer was injured and subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, the officer has since been released.
According to Lt. Moses Edwards of the Marlow Heights Special Police, the suspect refused to comply with instructions to turn off the car and take his foot off the accelerator. Despite repeated pleas from the officers, the suspect continued to rev the engine, leaving an officer trapped inside his vehicle. Additionally, a female passenger in the stolen car informed the police that the suspect had also collided with a blue sedan that had a father and his 6-year-old child inside. Thankfully, both individuals in the sedan are believed to have escaped without harm. The stolen vehicle had been taken from a residence in Southeast D.C., with the owner discovering the theft in the morning.
Expressing her frustration, the owner of the stolen vehicle remarked that individuals should seek employment and work for their possessions rather than resorting to theft. She also mentioned that this was not the first time her car had been stolen and that the thief managed to start the car without her keys. Marlow Heights Police Chief John Conklin revealed that the suspect has a history of prior arrests, including carjacking offenses. This incident comes amidst a significant increase in car thefts in the area. Chief Conklin emphasized the importance of prosecuting and penalizing criminals to deter further crime.
Four out of the eight cruisers belonging to the Marlow Heights Police Department were damaged in the incident. As a result, these vehicles will require repair or replacement. The community is now awaiting further action from the state’s attorney and the judges to ensure appropriate punishment for the suspect and to address the rising car theft problem in the area.
In conclusion, the arrest of a suspect who deliberately rammed a stolen car into police cruisers at a Taco Bell drive-thru in Maryland has highlighted the ongoing issue of car thefts in the region. As law enforcement agencies work to combat such crimes, it is crucial that individuals responsible for these offenses face appropriate consequences to deter future incidents.
