14-Year-Old Car Thieves Slam Stolen Vehicle Into Baltimore Cop, Escape

The officer opened fire as he was hit, but the trio of teen suspects managed to get away.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A group of three 14-year-olds - two boys and one girl - stole a car and slammed it into a Baltimore police officer who had responded to an attempted break-in call. The officer opened fire as he was hit, but the teens were able to flee the scene, hitting another vehicle and the officer's patrol car in the process. Police later arrested the two boys, who had prior charges of robbery and auto theft, as well as the girl driver, who had a possible gunshot wound.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of juvenile crime and car theft in Baltimore, despite efforts like electronic monitoring. It raises concerns about public safety and the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with repeat young offenders.

The details

According to police, Officer William Cole responded around 12:05 a.m. Sunday to an attempted break-in call. He encountered the three teens in a stolen Kia sedan, and when he ordered the driver to stop, the driver backed up and struck the officer. Cole fired his gun once at the car as he fell, but the driver fled, hitting another vehicle and the officer's patrol car in the process. The officer rendered aid to a 21-year-old man who had been assaulted before the officer's arrival, but the officer himself suffered an ankle injury that was treated and released at a hospital.

  • The incident occurred around 12:05 a.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • Police arrested the two 14-year-old boys on Monday, February 24, 2026.
  • Police arrested the 14-year-old girl driver on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Officer William Cole

A Baltimore police officer who responded to an attempted break-in call and was struck by the stolen vehicle driven by the three teen suspects.

Two 14-year-old boys

The two male suspects who were arrested and charged with aggravated assault and auto theft. They had prior charges of robbery and auto theft and were on electronic monitoring.

14-year-old girl

The female suspect who was the driver of the stolen Kia. She was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and stolen auto, and may have suffered a gunshot wound to her wrist during the incident.

21-year-old man

A man who was assaulted by multiple people before the officer's arrival at the scene, and was rendered aid by Officer Cole.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I need a medic! You good, bro? I got you. What's wrong, bro, you OK?”

— Officer William Cole (WBAL-TV)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the two 14-year-old boys out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of juvenile crime and car theft in Baltimore, despite efforts like electronic monitoring. It raises concerns about public safety and the difficulties law enforcement faces in dealing with repeat young offenders who continue to commit crimes despite court-ordered supervision.