A lieutenant on the Baltimore police force was suspended without pay after his indictment yesterday by a Baltimore County grand jury on charges including theft.

Lt. James P. Carnes Jr., 39, who was transferred one week ago from the city's Western District to the Eastern District, was charged in connection with the sale of an automobile in which he allegedly rolled back the odometer about three months ago, according to Baltimore police spokesman Sam Ringgold, who provided no other details.

A Police Department review hearing on the lieutenant's status was to be held at 9:30 this morning.

Lieutenant Carnes joined the police force 18 years ago today, Mr. Ringgold said.