Baltimore Mother Charged for Hiding Evidence in Daughter's Assault on Officer

Yolanda Wilkes accused of covering up her 14-year-old daughter's role in striking a police officer with a stolen car.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:53am

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Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates announced charges against Yolanda Wilkes, a mother accused of trying to cover up her 14-year-old daughter's alleged involvement in hitting a police officer with a car last month. Wilkes allegedly told detectives her daughter came home bleeding and said she 'messed up' and 'thought she caught a body', but Wilkes claimed the daughter fell off a scooter. Wilkes also allegedly disposed of the daughter's blood-stained jacket and a fired projectile.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges of juvenile crime and the importance of parental accountability. Crimes involving juveniles have been on the rise in Baltimore, and this incident raises questions about how to address such behavior and ensure young people are guided towards positive opportunities rather than the criminal justice system.

The details

According to authorities, on February 15, Baltimore police officer William Cole responded to a call about armed individuals attempting to break into a home. When Cole approached a Kia sedan, the driver reversed, striking Cole and causing him to fall. The driver then fled the scene. Detectives later identified the 14-year-old driver as Wilkes' daughter, who was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and auto theft. Wilkes allegedly told police her daughter was wearing a blood-stained jacket that she disposed of, and she also gave a fired projectile found in the coat to the girl's father.

  • On February 15, the incident occurred just after midnight when Officer Cole responded to the call.
  • On March 12, 2026, Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates announced charges against Yolanda Wilkes.

The players

Yolanda Wilkes

The mother of a 14-year-old girl accused of hitting a police officer with a stolen car, who is now charged with trying to cover up her daughter's alleged involvement.

Ivan Bates

The Baltimore City State's Attorney who announced the charges against Yolanda Wilkes.

William Cole

The Baltimore police officer who was struck by the car driven by Wilkes' 14-year-old daughter.

Richard Worley

The Baltimore Police Commissioner who said the officer was in a lot of pain after the incident.

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What they’re saying

“This case is deeply troubling. Not only was a Baltimore police officer struck by a vehicle, but an adult is alleged to have attempted to conceal evidence and mislead investigators.”

— Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Commissioner (wbal.com)

“Crimes involving juveniles are up this year, and without accountability we are putting lives at risk and destabilizing communities. Parents and guardians must play a critical role in addressing this behavior, and together we must ensure our young people are guided toward opportunities—not the criminal justice system.”

— Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Commissioner (wbal.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Yolanda Wilkes out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of parental accountability in addressing the rise in juvenile crime in Baltimore. It underscores the need for a multi-pronged approach that guides young people towards positive opportunities rather than the criminal justice system.