Stolen Hyundai used in drive-by shooting in Severn, police say

BALTIMORE -- A stolen Hyundai was used in a drive-by shooting in Severn that left a person injured Saturday night, Anne Arundel County police said. 

Officers responded around 11:15 p.m. to the area of Marlton Court and Stillmeadow Drive, where they found a large group of people along with five cars and five houses struck by gunfire. 

A woman, who didn't want to be identified, told WJZ she was almost stuck by bullets that flew into her home.

"As I was running, my foot actually got scraped," the woman said. "Some of the debris from the bullet hit me and it also went into my bedroom as well. So, there were two shots that came through."

She said she's alright, but is concerned about the neighborhood.

"Just shaken up," the woman said. "More than anything -- concerned about my children's safety. We love the neighborhood but that's a huge concern for us."

A blue 2017 Hyundai was found crashed into a wooded area, which police learned had been stolen earlier that day. 

Investigators believe the Hyundai drove into the area before the occupants of the car opened fire on a group of people in the area. People in the group allegedly fired back at the vehicle. 

One person was shot in the leg and the arm. Two others were hit by cars while they were running away. They're all expected to be OK.

Certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been the target of an explosion of car thefts using methods popularized on social media. The cars lack some of the basic auto theft prevention technology included in most other vehicles, which has led cities across the U.S., including Baltimore, to sue the manufacturers for a steep increase in car thefts. 

"We have seen an increase in these vehicles not only being stolen but these vehicles being used in crimes after the fact," Anne Arundel County Police spokesperson Cpl. Chris Anderson said. "So these individuals are stealing these vehicles and using them to commit crimes."

Hours before the shooting, Anne Arundel County officers arrested a 16-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl after they were found in a 2019 Hyundai that had been stolen. Officers found a loaded black semi-automatic handgun in the car, police said. 

Detectives are investigating the shooting and ask that anyone with information contact them at (410) 222-6155 or the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line at (410) 222-4700.   

Anne Arundel County police are doing a steering wheel lock giveaway on Thursday, June 29 at Brooklyn Park Middle School from 9 a.m. until noon for Anne Arundel County residents.

Police encourage drivers of Kias and Hyundais to take their cars in for security upgrades that are being offered by the manufacturers.

"Park your car in your garage," Anderson said. "Lock your doors and remove all your valuables from inside your car… Not that it's going to prevent all of these incidents from happening, but anything that you can do to make it harder for these suspects to steal these vehicles."