BALTIMORE, MD – A string of brazen daylight thefts at multiple convenience stores led to the arrest of six individuals—including five juveniles—in the Overlea area on Monday afternoon.
The incident began around 1:39 p.m. on February 23, 2026, when Northeast District patrol officers with the Baltimore Police Department were called to the 6600 block of Belair Road. Reports indicated that a group of young people was systematically looting businesses, taking large quantities of merchandise.
Assault at the Counter
According to investigators, the group targeted three separate locations along the Belair Road corridor. The suspects focused primarily on stealing toiletries and various snack items.
The situation turned violent at one location when a suspect assaulted a store employee. Police report that the individual threw a box of candy at the worker, striking them directly in the face.
Swift Arrests and Charges
Responding officers arrived on the scene quickly and were able to apprehend the entire group without further incident. The suspects include:
- One 13-year-old male
- Two 15-year-old males
- One 16-year-old male
- One 15-year-old female
- One 18-year-old male
The five juveniles were transported to the Juvenile Justice Center, where they face charges related to the thefts and assault. The lone adult in the group, the 18-year-old male, was taken to the Central Booking Intake Facility and has been officially charged with theft.
Community Impact
The 6600 block of Belair Road is a busy commercial stretch bordering the Baltimore City and Baltimore County line. Local business owners have expressed increasing concern over “flash mob” style retail thefts, where groups rely on numbers to overwhelm staff and bypass security measures…