Car Stop Leads to Arrests, Burglary Investigation

A Catonsville homeowner had a rude surprise on Sunday when he learned
that he had been victimized while away on vacation.

While he was out of town, a group of teenagers broke into his house on
the 5900-block of Foxhall Manor Drive and appeared to have a good time
before taking his 2000 Nissan SUV for a joyride.

The case was unraveled by a traffic stop in Baltimore city, where
Southwest District police officers pulled over an SUV occupied by four
juveniles.

Since the vehicle was registered to the Foxhall Manor address, a
Baltimore County officer was dispatched to check out their story. At
the victim’s house, police discovered that a rear sliding door had
been opened and the interior of the residence had been carelessly
occupied. Furnishings were broken and bottles of liquor had been
taken, along with the homeowner’s car keys.

Police spoke with neighbors, who report seeing six youth, three boys
and three girls, about 17-20 years old, who had been hanging around
the property some time between May 28-30.

Four juveniles, ranging in age from 12 to 17, were arrested on auto
theft charges in Baltimore City. Baltimore County police are
investigating their link to the burglary, and additional charges may
be pending.

For questions about this blotter, email penny.riordan@patch.com.