Police handcuffs and criminal fingerprints card

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — Four juveniles have been arrested and charged with auto theft following a shooting investigation that took place Monday afternoon in Germantown. The suspects, three 15-year-old males and one 16-year-old male, were apprehended after a brief pursuit by Montgomery County police officers.

On August 19, at approximately 4:52 p.m., officers from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 5th District responded to a report of a shooting in the 19200 block of Circle Gate Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple shell casings and confirmed that gunfire had struck two apartments and a vehicle. No injuries were reported.

Following the incident, police issued a lookout for the suspect vehicle, identified as a black 2016 Hyundai Accent. At around 5:33 p.m., 6th District officers spotted the vehicle near Rothbury Drive and Goshen Road. Officers determined that the vehicle was stolen and initiated a brief pursuit.

During the pursuit, two of the suspects exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The vehicle eventually came to a stop in the 20120 block of Rothbury Lane, where the remaining two suspects also attempted to flee the scene. Police quickly established a perimeter and apprehended all four suspects.

Two of the 15-year-old suspects were taken to the 5th District station and later released into the custody of their parents or guardians. The 16-year-old suspect was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries before being discharged and released to his parent or guardian at the 5th District station.

The fourth suspect, a 15-year-old male, was apprehended by a K-9 unit. During a subsequent search, officers discovered a loaded .40 caliber handgun in his possession. This suspect was also taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries and later transferred to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Services, where he faces additional charges for possession of a firearm.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting and the subsequent events.

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