Teen Charged with Killing Maryland Officer was Under House Arrest
Harris' record in the juvenile system shows repeated arrests. Between December and March, he was arrested four times for car theft, and he was bounced between programs in the community. One case involved the theft of a car while he was in a juvenile program in Montgomery County in March.

Dawnta Harris, 16, is charged with murder in the killing of Baltimore County police officer Amy Caprio. (Photo: Baltimore County PD)
The 16-year-old suspect charged with running over and killing Baltimore County police officer Amy Caprio Monday was under house arrest for previous car theft offenses at the time of the attack.
Investigators said Harris, who is charged as an adult with first-degree murder, admitted that he stayed in an allegedly stolen Jeep while three associates -- 15, 16 and 17 years old -- burglarized a house in Perry Hall, MD. His associates could face felony murder charges in the case.
Investigators said Harris admitted that when Caprio arrived and demanded he exit the Jeep, he instead drove at her, WBAL TV reports.
Harris' record in the juvenile system shows repeated arrests. Between December and March, he was arrested four times for car theft, and he was bounced between programs in the community. One case involved the theft of a car while he was in a juvenile program in Montgomery County in March.
While under house arrest and wearing an ankle bracelet, police say Harris stole the black jeep used to kill Officer Caprio, WMAR TV reports. His mother had reported him as AWOL.
Maryland Secretary of Juvenile Services Sam Abed said the court acted with the Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby and the public defender to let him out on house arrest.
WMAR News reached out City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby’s office asking for comment on Abed’s claim that his department wasn't privy to Harris being put back on house arrest, but we haven’t heard back at this time.
More Patrol

5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →
National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today
A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police
The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.
Read More →
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →
Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black
Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.
Read More →
Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet
Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals
Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.
Read More →