Waldorf Man Charged with Felony Theft for Alleged Vehicle Thefts
Joseph Andrew Townsend, a 34-year-old resident of Waldorf, Maryland, is facing felony theft and motor vehicle charges in two separate incidents. According to court documents, Townsend allegedly stole a DoorDash driver's car on July 18, 2026, and a school bus the following day. The first incident occurred outside an IHOP restaurant in La Plata, where Townsend reportedly took a running vehicle while the driver was inside picking up an order. Surveillance footage captured the suspect, who was later identified as Townsend, leaving the vehicle at a convenience store. The second incident involved Townsend allegedly taking a school bus and crashing it during a traffic stop. Townsend was identified as the driver and admitted to taking the bus for air conditioning. He is scheduled for trial in September 2026.