A federal grand jury has indicted Ron Wardlow, 26, of Baltimore, on charges related to carjacking and firearms violations. The indictment includes allegations of carjacking, using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a prohibited person.
The announcement was made by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, in coordination with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to the indictment, Wardlow is accused of committing a carjacking on February 27, 2025. During the incident, he allegedly used and displayed a Glock 9mm handgun.
If convicted on all counts, Wardlow could face up to life in federal prison. However, sentences for federal crimes are usually less than the statutory maximums. Sentencing decisions will be made by a federal district court judge who will consider U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along with other factors.
Authorities emphasized that an indictment does not equate to guilt. "Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding," officials stated.
The investigation relied on evidence generated through the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is described as the only national system enabling law enforcement agencies to compare ballistic evidence from firearms-related crimes across jurisdictions; it assists in solving cases and disrupting cycles of gun violence. More details about NIBIN can be found at https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.
This case also falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to bring together various levels of law enforcement with community organizations to address violent crime and gun violence. The Department strengthened PSN’s approach in May 2021 by emphasizing trust-building within communities, supporting local groups focused on violence prevention, prioritizing targeted enforcement efforts, and tracking results.
U.S. Attorney Hayes recognized both the ATF and Baltimore Police Department for their investigative work on this case and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Levin for prosecuting it.
Further information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-md or https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
