Laurel-Area Vehicle Break-In Leads to Arrests in Multistate Spree

A botched attempt to steal from a vehicle Tuesday in Russett led to the arrest of four men involved in a multi-state burglary spree, according to Anne Arundel County Police.

Around 8:17 a.m. on Tuesday, officers were called to KinderCare in the 3500 block of Russett Common for a report of a vehicle break-in.

The victim told police she had been sitting in her car when an unknown suspect entered the driver's side and began to rummage through the center console. When she called out, the suspect reportedly fled to an awaiting vehicle.

But before the vehicle drove away, the woman was able to collect license plate information. Investigators soon determined it was an out-of-state rental.

After surrounding jurisdictions were notified of the vehicle's description, Bowie Police reportedly spotted it in the parking lot of a hotel. 

Police said detectives responded to the location and observed several suspects exiting the vehicle, who—along with two other men—were later placed under arrest.

Investigators then executed search warrants on two hotel rooms and the vehicle in question. Police said property was recovered that linked the men to multiple vehicle burglaries that occurred in recently in Virginia and Missouri.

The following suspects were charged in the case:

• Leonard Wright, 23, of Fort Lauderdale, FL was charged with rogue and vagabond and attempted theft less than $100. Wright was identified as the man who had entered the victim's car Tuesday, according to police.
• Chadrick Owens, 22, of Fort Lauderdale, FL was charged with rogue and vagabond, conspiracy to commit theft, and false statement to police 
• Kenneth Hall, 24, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL was charged with rogue and vagabond and conspiracy to commit theft. 
• Gerald Lee, 29, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL was charged with rogue and vagabond and conspiracy to commit theft.

The matter remains under investigation.