Route 5 Run: Stolen Rig Recovered After 18-Mile Pursuit

WALDORF, Md. — A Silver Spring man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say he stole a heavy-duty work truck in Waldorf and led law enforcement on an 18-mile pursuit through Charles and St. Mary’s counties, endangering motorists before being taken into custody.

Bereket Eshetu Beyene, 27, of Silver Spring, was arrested Feb. 5, 2026, following a multi-jurisdictional chase involving the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.

Charging documents state deputies were alerted shortly after 8 p.m. to the theft of a 2015 Kenworth T680 heavy-duty truck. The vehicle had been parked on St. Nicholas Drive near the BJ’s Warehouse in Waldorf while being serviced. Investigators say the keys had been left inside the truck, which was later discovered missing.

A Charles County deputy spotted the vehicle traveling southbound on Leonardtown Road and attempted a traffic stop. Authorities say the driver failed to stop, prompting a pursuit during which the truck reached speeds estimated between 65 and 70 miles per hour in a posted 50-mph zone. The pursuit continued through multiple intersections and roadways as the driver allegedly ignored traffic signals and emergency lights.

According to the probable cause statement, the chase crossed into St. Mary’s County, where deputies deployed stop sticks several times. Despite sustaining damage and losing a tire, the truck continued traveling before eventually coming to a stop near the area of Three Notch Road and Friendship School Road.

Deputies reported the driver was wearing a facemask and gloves when he exited the vehicle and was taken into custody without further incident. He was later identified as Beyene. Authorities say he declined to answer questions after being advised of his rights and stated he was homeless and had arrived in the area from Washington, D.C.

Investigators determined the truck was valued at approximately $95,000, with an estimated $5,000 in damage caused during the incident.

Beyene has been charged with felony theft of property valued between $25,000 and $100,000, malicious destruction of property valued at $1,000 or more, attempting to elude uniformed police, attempting to elude police in an official vehicle, reckless driving, negligent driving, and multiple traffic offenses.

Court records show Beyene was initially held on a $5,000 percentage bond on Feb. 5. During a bail review hearing the following day, a judge ordered that he be held without bond.

A bail review hearing was held Feb. 6 in Charles District Court. A follow-up bail review hearing is scheduled for Feb. 13. An officer scheduling trial date has been set for March 31 in Charles District Court.

---