Chaos unfolded in New Freedom, PA, early Thursday when law enforcement officers chased down two Maryland men accused of multiple vehicle thefts. The pursuit, escalated when a Southern Regional Police officer discharged his firearm during a search that also featured a dog and drone assistance. According to the York Daily Record, no injuries were reported from the incident.

Officials reported the suspects, identified as 19-year-olds Christian Wright of Pasadena, Maryland, and Marquis Brown of Stoney Beach, Maryland, were charged with receiving stolen property, theft, loitering or prowling at nighttime, and evading arrest or detention on foot. Additionally, Brown is facing an extra charge for fleeing and eluding. The duo was booked into York County Prison, each held on a $50,000 bail.

The trouble began around 2:25 a.m. with a report of suspicious activity relating to vehicle break-ins. Southern Regional Police responded to the call which led to the discovery of a crashed stolen vehicle and the subsequent foot chase. ABC27 detailed that another stolen vehicle was found shortly after, abandoned a short distance away from the scene.

In a dramatic twist to nighttime events, an officer came face to face with one of the suspects who was then inside another vehicle. Despite orders to exit, the suspect drove off, later leaving the car nearby, recovered by police. "The officer from Southern Regional Police Department drew and fired his duty weapon during this incident," said a statement issued by the police, as sourced by York Daily Record.

Further investigate have hinted at a larger criminal element, suggesting Wright and Brown might be part of a wider theft ring plaguing Southern York County. Both men are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 16, as reported by the MU News, hinting at the depth of their alleged criminal involvement yet to be fully unveiled. Multiple law enforcement agencies remain on the case, piecing together the extent of the suspected crime spree.