A Baltimore man was convicted by a federal jury for an armed carjacking that took place at a Fells Point gas station, according to an announcement on April 10 by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland.
The case is significant because it involved the use of a loaded firearm and resulted in multiple charges, including carjacking, using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about violent crime involving firearms in Baltimore.
According to evidence presented at trial, Ron Wardlow, age 26, approached two victims at the gas station on February 27, 2025. Wearing a mask and gloves, Wardlow asked them for a ride. When his request was refused, he followed one victim around the vehicle before producing a loaded Glock handgun with an extended magazine containing 31 rounds. He pointed the gun at one victim and demanded the keys to their car before driving away with it.
The victims were able to track their digital devices left inside the stolen vehicle. After locating where activity from these devices stopped in Liberty Heights neighborhood—and later seeing their still-running car—police were alerted again when Wardlow drove off as they arrived. Officers from the Regional Auto Theft Task Force located the vehicle at another gas station; Wardlow fled but was eventually apprehended nearby with assistance from aerial surveillance units. Police recovered both his mask and gloves as well as the loaded Glock used in the crime.
Wardlow faces mandatory minimum sentencing of seven years up to life imprisonment for brandishing a firearm during commission of this offense; he also faces up to fifteen years each for carjacking and being felon in possession of firearms or ammunition. Sentencing is scheduled for July 29 at 11:00 am.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended law enforcement agencies involved—including ATF, Baltimore Police Department (BPD), Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD), and RATT—for their roles in investigating this case.
