WALDORF, Md. — The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is investigating three vehicle-related crimes that occurred on June 23, 2025, in the Bannister and Wakefield neighborhoods, with Charles County Crime Solvers offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects. The incidents include two stolen Hyundai vehicles and one attempted theft, prompting increased police efforts to address a recent wave of juvenile-related auto crimes.
In the first incident, a 2013 gold Hyundai Sonata was stolen from a driveway in the 2200 block of Imperial Court between 10:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The vehicle’s door lock was forcibly removed and was found at the scene. In the second case, suspects damaged the door handle of a Hyundai Elantra in the 1500 block of Bryan Court between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., but failed to gain entry. The third incident involved the theft of a 2016 silver Hyundai Elantra from the 3000 block of October Place, sometime between June 21 at 2:00 p.m. and June 23 at 1:30 p.m.
Over the past two weeks, the Sheriff’s Office has responded to multiple reports of juveniles attempting to break into vehicles across various neighborhoods. Officers apprehended juveniles aged 13 to 16 in two unrelated cases, charging them on juvenile offense reports under Maryland law. Additionally, authorities have recovered several stolen vehicles reported in Charles County and neighboring jurisdictions, signaling a broader effort to curb auto thefts.
Detectives are actively pursuing leads and urging residents to assist by reviewing home security camera footage for relevant evidence. The Sheriff’s Office can be contacted at 301-932-2222 for direct tips. Charles County Crime Solvers offers a hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS, an online portal at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com, or the P3Intel mobile app for anonymous submissions. As noted on the Sheriff’s Office website, a cash reward of up to $1,000 is available for tips leading to arrests.
The Sheriff’s Office recommends several precautions for vehicle owners to prevent further thefts. These include using steering wheel locks, especially for commonly targeted models like Hyundais and Kias, locking doors and windows, removing valuables and key fobs, installing GPS trackers or alarms, parking in well-lit areas or near cameras, and never leaving vehicles running unattended.
Recent recoveries of stolen vehicles highlight the Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to addressing auto theft, a regional issue. Focusing on juvenile suspects reflects a broader trend, with officers working to identify patterns and prevent further crimes. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity to aid the ongoing investigations.
