GREENSBORO, Md.- Authorities say three teenagers are in custody Wednesday for stealing six vehicles and setting them on fire in Caroline County.
The arrests were the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office, the Caroline County States Attorney's Office, the Caroline County Sheriff's Office, troopers with the Maryland State Police assigned to the Easton Barracks, Greensboro Police Department and Delaware State Police.
Investigators say they had obtained information from a confidential source on Wednesday concerning the thefts and subsequent burnings of stolen vehicles. As a result, investigators obtained search warrants for three homes in the county. As a result of the searches, investigators obtained charging documents which resulted in the arrests of three teens.
Authorities say that 18-year-old John Wayne Burris, a 17-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy, had been traveling in the Greensboro and Marydel areas searching parked vehicles. Investigators say various items including money were stolen from the unlocked vehicles. Investigators say the vehicles were stolen by the three, driven around and then intentionally set on fire.
Investigators determined six vehicles were taken by the three from the Delaware and Maryland areas and destroyed by the fires. Investigators determined that approximately $40,000 in damage was cause to the vehicles.
Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the thefts and burnings took place on July 17, 27, Aug. 2 and two on Aug. 4.
The three have been charged with several counts of auto theft, first-degree malicious burning and conspiracy.
The juveniles were released to family members pending further court action. Burris is currently being held in the Caroline County Detention Center awaiting a bail review. Further arrests are expected.
Investigators caution residents that personal belongings should be removed from their vehicles and the vehicles locked. Leaving vehicles unlocked and personal belongings visible is an open invitation for someone to steal them.
