Dundalk Man Arrested for Stealing Police Car

After a series of foot chases and physical struggles, Baltimore County police apprehended a Dundalk man last week in connection with stealing a police car and a home break-in.

Michael Blottenberger, 42, of the 800 block of Mildred Avenue was charged with grand theft auto and burgalry and as of Tuesday was being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center on $1 million bail, according to police officials. 

The saga began around 1 p.m. on June 12, when a witness told police he watched a man use a crowbar to break into a neighbor's house, according to a North Point Precinct 12 police report. The suspect had fled the area prior to officers responding to investigate, according to the report.

Later the same day, while searching for the burglary suspect on Mildred Avenue, police officers spotted a man who matched the description of the person involoved in the earlier break-in, according to Det. Cathy Batton.

The suspect, who was balancing a television set on the handlebars of the bicycle he was riding, abandoned the bike and TV and fled when he saw the officers, Batton said.

The officers left their vehicle, an unmarked car, and pursued the suspect on foot. When the officers caught up with the fleeing man, a struggle took place. The suspect was able to break free and circle around a house to the alley where the officers had left their car.

The suspect jumped into the police car and drove it to Alvah Avenue, where he was again spotted by officers, Batton said. The suspect abandoned the car and another foot chase ensued.

When officers caught up with Blottenberger, they were able to arrest him and take him into custody.

Police officials recovered the television and a large amount of jewelry at the spot where Blottenberger allegedly abandoned his bicycle, Batton said.

The television and jewels are thought to have been stolen from a house in the 7700 block of Nordbruch Avenue, according to Batton.