3 Teens Arrested After Striking Baltimore Police Officer With Stolen Car

The incident began with a reported attempted home break-in and ended with the officer firing his weapon at the fleeing vehicle.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Three 14-year-olds are facing charges after allegedly hitting a Baltimore Police officer with a stolen car while fleeing the scene of a reported attempted break-in. During the encounter, the involved officer fired his weapon at the car, and the suspects' vehicle continued to flee, hitting another vehicle and the officer's patrol car. Two of the teens were later identified through their ankle monitors and arrested, while the third, a 14-year-old girl, was also arrested and found to have suffered a wrist injury that may have been a graze wound.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of juvenile crime and the use of force by police in Baltimore, a city that has struggled with high rates of violent crime and tensions between law enforcement and the community. The case raises questions about bail reform, the effectiveness of ankle monitors, and the broader issue of how to address youth involvement in serious criminal activities.

The details

According to police, the incident began around midnight on Feb. 15 when officers responded to a reported attempted home break-in on the 800 block of W. Lombard Street. When they arrived, they found a car with multiple people inside. As Officer William Cole, a five-year veteran, approached the car on foot and commanded the driver to stop, the driver reversed and hit Cole, causing him to fall down. Cole then fired his weapon at the car, which continued to flee, hitting another vehicle and the officer's patrol car.

  • The incident began around midnight on Feb. 15.
  • Officer Cole was treated for ankle injuries at a hospital and released on Feb. 15.
  • Two 14-year-old boys were arrested on Feb. 16 and charged with aggravated assault and auto theft.
  • The 14-year-old girl was arrested on Feb. 17 and charged with aggravated assault and stolen auto.

The players

Officer William Cole

A five-year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department who was injured when he was struck by the stolen car during the incident.

Two 14-year-old boys

The suspects who were identified through their ankle monitors and arrested on Feb. 16, charged with aggravated assault and auto theft.

14-year-old girl

The third suspect, the driver of the stolen car, who was arrested on Feb. 17 and charged with aggravated assault and stolen auto.

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What they’re saying

“We must address the ongoing challenges of juvenile crime and the use of force by police in Baltimore.”

— Robert Jenkins, Baltimore resident

What’s next

The Baltimore Police Department's Special Investigations Response Team (SIRT) is investigating the incident to determine if the officer's use of force was justified.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding youth involvement in serious criminal activities, the use of force by police, and the ongoing efforts to address crime and build trust between law enforcement and the community in Baltimore.