Leonardtown, MD- An adult and a juvenile were arrested following an investigation into multiple attempted and successful vehicle break-ins and a commercial burglary at a Leonardtown business, authorities said.
Nathaniel Warren Shaklee, 19, of Hollywood, was taken into custody May 21 without incident after detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division served a search-and-seizure warrant at a residence in the 24000 block of McIntosh Road in Hollywood. The second suspect, a juvenile, was charged through custodial apprehension. He was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center.
Shaklee had been linked to crimes on May 12 when deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office investigated a vehicle break-in in the Leonardtown area that resulted in the theft of a Kel-Tec .40-caliber rifle, two magazines, ammunition and a hard case. The suspects were located and, following a foot pursuit, the firearm and related accessories were recovered; however, the suspects initially evaded apprehension. Deputies subsequently determined the same suspects were also connected to additional attempted vehicle break-ins reported in the area that same day.
On May 14, deputies responded to Brudergarten Bar in Leonardtown in response to a report of a commercial burglary. Video surveillance showed the suspects damaging cash registers and stealing alcohol from the business.
Shaklee and the juvenile have each been charged with second-degree burglary, fourth-degree burglary-storehouse, eight counts of rogue and vagabond with intent to commit theft from a vehicle, theft scheme $1,500 to under $25,000, theft $100 to under $1,500, and theft less than $100, according to court records.
The charges stem from an investigation by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division. A search warrant was issued after the incidents. Shaklee was located through detective work.
Shaklee is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. No additional details about the juvenile or further background on the suspects have been released publicly.
The investigation remains active as prosecutors prepare for trial.
This arrest comes amid ongoing local efforts to address property crimes in Southern Maryland. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to report suspicions of theft or burglary to law enforcement.
The case remains active as authorities continue their work.
