Stolen SUV Stop in Severn Leads to Gun Arrest Hours Before Nearby Shooting Damages Home

Severn, MD — A traffic stop involving a stolen SUV in Severn led to two arrests and the recovery of a loaded handgun Tuesday evening, just hours before gunfire in a nearby neighborhood shattered a home’s glass door and damaged a vehicle. Anne Arundel County Police say the incidents occurred less than seven hours apart in the same Western District area, raising fresh concerns about overnight gun activity despite no reported injuries. Officers first acted on an automated license plate reader alert around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, locating a stolen blue Dodge Journey near Reece Road and Telegraph Road. Stolen vehicle stop leads to firearm charges According to the Anne Arundel County Police Department, an officer quickly located the flagged vehicle and stopped it in the Severn area. Two occupants were taken into custody without incident. Police identified the driver as 22-year-old Mercadi Renay Garza of Richmond, Virginia, and the passenger as 22-year-old Aiyonah Aalycia Fields, also of Richmond. Fields now faces charges for unlawful possession of a loaded Glock 9mm handgun recovered during the stop. Authorities have not detailed additional charges related to the stolen vehicle but confirmed both individuals were arrested at the scene. —Key Points• Two arrested in