MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — A fatal crash involving a stolen vehicle driven by juveniles occurred Tuesday in Germantown, resulting in one death.
Montgomery County Police reported that seven children, aged 12 to 15, were in a stolen sedan when it collided with another vehicle. The impact killed the other driver, identified as 58-year-old Vance Payne, who was en route to work.
In a statement, Payne's family requested privacy as they mourn the loss of a devoted father and friend. The crash has intensified discussions on youth crime and accountability in Maryland.
Del. Kathy Szeliga, R-Baltimore County, is urging state leaders to initiate a public campaign against juvenile crimes involving stolen vehicles. “This behavior has to stop,” Szeliga stated.
This incident is one of several recent high-profile cases involving juveniles operating stolen cars. In June, a 14-year-old driver struck and killed three-year-old Jordan Bright in Baltimore. Earlier this year, police released body camera footage of three teens in a stolen vehicle crashing into an officer during an attempted break-in.
Residents expressed a need for stronger consequences for repeat juvenile offenders. “We have to get the parents to take responsibility for their children,” one local stated.
Szeliga emphasized the necessity for tougher measures, noting that current laws may not deter juveniles from stealing vehicles. As debates continue, many Maryland drivers hope for safer roads.