A late-night breakdown on a quiet Pasadena street turned into a frightening stickup Tuesday, when two armed suspects carjacked a couple whose vehicle had just stalled, according to police.
Anne Arundel County officers said the victims pulled over on Catherine Avenue to check on mechanical trouble with their Jeep Compass when a black SUV rolled up. Two masked men climbed out, pointed weapons, and ordered the couple out of their car. One suspect then took off in the victims’ Jeep while the other drove away in the black SUV. A neighborhood search by officers came up empty.
Officers were dispatched around 11:55 p.m. to the intersection of Catherine Avenue and Harlem Avenue after the pair reported the trouble with their vehicle, Eye On Annapolis reports. The outlet notes the suspects were described as two Black males in dark-colored hoodies, black pants, and ski masks, who displayed weapons and forced the victims to hand over their keys before speeding off in both vehicles.
Police search and tips sought
The Anne Arundel County Police Department said officers canvassed the surrounding area but did not find the suspects or the stolen Jeep Compass. At the time of publication, no arrests had been reported, and detectives had not released additional identifying details.
Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact them at 410-222-4730 or to use the department’s anonymous tip line at 410-222-4700.
How this fits into a countywide pattern
The Pasadena carjacking is the latest incident in what local outlets and police records describe as a months-long run of vehicle thefts and attempted carjackings across Anne Arundel County. Investigators have said they are looking into whether some of these cases are connected.
Back in December, WTOP reported a carjacking in which suspects used an unusual ruse to get a driver to stop before stealing the vehicle, prompting detectives to again call for witnesses and video from the public.
What residents can do
Police are urging drivers who experience mechanical trouble to steer toward well-lit, populated areas when possible and to call for roadside assistance rather than getting out of the vehicle in an isolated spot.
If you saw anything suspicious near Catherine Avenue and Harlem Avenue on Tuesday night, or have any information about the carjacking or the suspects involved, the Anne Arundel County Police Department asks that you contact the Regional Crimes Unit at 410-222-4730 or submit an anonymous tip at 410-222-4700.
