MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — A fatal crash involving a stolen vehicle driven by juveniles is renewing concerns about youth crime and dangerous driving across Maryland.
Montgomery County Police said seven children between the ages of 12 and 15 were riding in a stolen sedan Tuesday when it crashed in Germantown, killing another driver.
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Police identified the victim as 58-year-old Vance Payne, who was on his way to work when the crash happened.
In a statement, Payne’s family said:
We are focusing on our family right now as we process the tragic and painful loss of a devoted father, husband and friend to so many. Please respect our privacy at this time.”
The crash has reignited debate over juvenile crime and accountability in Maryland.
Del. Kathy Szeliga, R-Baltimore County, is calling on state leaders to launch a public information campaign warning juveniles that crimes involving stolen vehicles will not be tolerated.
“I would like to see Governor Wes Moore, Mayor Brandon Scott, Speaker Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk, Senate President Bill Ferguson and other leaders tell young people that this behavior has to stop,” Szeliga said.
The Germantown crash is not the first high-profile case involving juveniles driving stolen vehicles.
In June, a 14-year-old driving a stolen vehicle struck and killed three-year-old Jordan Bright in Baltimore.
Earlier this year, Baltimore Police also released body camera video showing three teens in a stolen vehicle crashing into a police officer following an attempted break-in. Police said two of those teens were already on ankle monitors for previous robbery and auto theft charges.
Residents told FOX45 News they believe stronger consequences are needed to deter repeat juvenile offenders.
“So these young people now, we have to get the parents to take responsibility for their children and not allow them to have access to their keys,” one resident said.
Another resident said concerns about juvenile crime continue to grow.
“I do feel like there’s definitely some concerns about the juvenile stuff in Baltimore with dirt bikes and all of that kind of thing, so I’ve had close calls in the past,” the resident said.
Szeliga argues Maryland needs tougher consequences for repeat juvenile offenders.
“We’ve seen it time and time again, but part of the problem is lawmakers continue to reduce accountability measures for juveniles,” she said. “Juveniles are not afraid to steal a car because there aren’t any consequences.”
For many Maryland drivers, the hope is that reducing dangerous driving especially involving juveniles will make the roads safer.
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