Takoma Park, MD – July 29, 2025
Chief Antonio DeVaul of the Takoma Park Police Department has confirmed the arrests of Mario Collins, 18, and a 16-year-old male juvenile, both residents of Washington, D.C., in connection with a stolen vehicle investigation that escalated into a firearms and assault incident.
Suspicious Activity Leads to Pursuit
The events unfolded around 6:07 p.m. on Tuesday evening in the 6300 block of New Hampshire Avenue, where patrol officers observed a vehicle engaging in suspicious behavior. A quick check revealed that the vehicle in question had been reported stolen.
As officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the situation quickly escalated. The driver of the stolen vehicle attempted to flee the scene, striking two unmarked police vehicles in an effort to escape.
Suspects Apprehended Without Further Incident
Despite the aggressive attempt to evade capture, officers were able to stop the vehicle and detain both suspects without further confrontation. The arrest was made swiftly and without injuries to officers or the individuals involved.
During a search of the stolen vehicle, police discovered a loaded handgun, which was also confirmed to have been reported stolen. This added an additional layer of severity to the charges the suspects now face.
Charges and Juvenile Handling
Mario Collins, 18, now faces several serious charges, including:
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Theft of a motor vehicle
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Possession of a stolen firearm
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Assault on law enforcement officers
Following his arrest, Collins was taken to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit for booking and further legal proceedings.
The 16-year-old juvenile involved in the incident was also taken into custody. Per protocol, the necessary juvenile notifications and legal procedures were promptly followed, though the identity of the minor has not been disclosed due to age-related privacy protections.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
Takoma Park Police emphasized their commitment to public safety and swift enforcement of the law in cases involving stolen property and firearms.
“This incident serves as a reminder of the dangerous circumstances officers face while protecting our communities,” said Chief DeVaul. “Thanks to the professionalism and quick action of our officers, a potentially volatile situation was resolved without injury.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are working to determine how the suspects obtained both the stolen vehicle and firearm.
Public Urged to Remain Vigilant
In the wake of the arrests, the police department is urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Anyone with further information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Takoma Park Police Department.
Conclusion
The arrest of Mario Collins and the juvenile suspect highlights the dangers of stolen vehicles and illegal firearms in local communities. Law enforcement’s swift response not only ensured the safe apprehension of the suspects but also removed a stolen weapon from the streets, reinforcing their continued commitment to community safety.
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