Four individuals have been charged with a string of gun store burglaries across Maryland, during which they stole several dozen firearms, state officials announced Tuesday. The group, consisting of members aged 16 to 20, is alleged to have carried out a series of break-ins, leaving communities across the state on high alert.
Details of the Crimes
According to the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, the group is accused of committing three burglaries and seven attempted burglaries between December 2023 and March 2024. Over the course of these crimes, they allegedly stole 81 firearms and 10 gun replicas. The burglaries were carried out during late night and early morning hours, with the suspects reportedly using a crowbar to gain entry to the gun shops.
While the group managed to make off with a significant number of firearms, law enforcement has only recovered six of the stolen guns. All six were found in the possession of individuals who were not legally permitted to own them, underscoring the potential danger these stolen weapons posed to public safety.
Suspects’ Activities and Arrest
Investigators revealed that the suspects attempted to sell or trade the stolen guns on social media platforms. The group members allegedly bragged about their successful break-ins online, which ultimately helped lead to their identification and arrest.
In a bizarre twist, officials noted that the group was robbed on at least two occasions of some of the weapons they had stolen. Additionally, one of the suspects accidentally discharged a firearm, injuring an associate by striking him in both feet.
“The reality is these stolen guns made their way into our communities, so it has always been a two-part mission: Find those responsible and find the guns,” Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said in a statement. “We found the people, and hear this: Break the law and you will be held accountable. Marylanders are tired of crime happening in their communities, and they want illegal guns off the streets.”
Ongoing Investigation
The case was investigated by the Maryland Attorney General’s Office in collaboration with federal and local law enforcement agencies. The successful apprehension of the suspects highlights the ongoing efforts to combat gun-related crime in Maryland. However, with most of the stolen firearms still unaccounted for, authorities continue to search for the remaining weapons, which could pose a significant threat to public safety.
