12-year-old charged with serial car theft in Montgomery County and reported missing three times

WASHINGTON – FOX 5 has received new information about a 12-year-old boy accused of stealing several cars and scooters in Montgomery County. It turns out he appears to be the same boy that DC Police reported missing multiple times over many months.

FOX 5's Bob Barnard met the boy's mother at her Southeast home Tuesday afternoon. She declined to talk and asked for privacy. Her son was not with her at the time.

Her case raises the question for many as to how and why the young suspect keeps slipping through the net.

READ MORE: How a 12-year-old evaded arrest after a series of car thefts in Montgomery County

The 12-year-old was reported missing by his mother at least three times in the last 15 months. Each time, Washington DC police sent out a report and posted online flyers asking for information about his whereabouts.

His most recent disappearance occurred just this weekend. Once again, the MPD issued a call for help. FOX 5 was told the boy was found again early Tuesday.

He is believed to be the same boy who has been causing trouble for police in Montgomery County and College Park, Maryland, for months by stealing more than half a dozen cars – most of them luxury sedans from car dealerships – and no fewer than ten e-scooters from University of Maryland students just off campus.

READ MORE: 12-year-old accused of breaking into Maryland car dealership is handed over to his parents and strikes again: police

Both UMD and the Montgomery County Police Department have submitted several requests for children in need of care. It is a voluntary program run by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services. So far, it is not helping this boy in any way.

Because he is under 13 and has not committed a violent crime, Maryland authorities cannot arrest him. Additionally, he lives in the District, where he is not provided with social services.

FOX 5 is still trying to figure out what kind of help or services this boy and his mother are receiving or what is available to them in DC.

Due to privacy concerns, city officials cannot speak specifically about the boy's case. FOX 5 is still waiting for a response on what can be done to help this boy and his mother.