Deputies say two juveniles spent Sunday morning escaping from law enforcement after they were allegedly discovered stealing a vehicle in Hillsborough County.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of vehicle burglaries in process at the Paffock Club Apartment complex at 1:30 a.m.
Officers say an aviation unit spotted the suspects, two 17-year-old boys, driving away in a stolen vehicle, but when officers tried to stop them, the boys accelerated away, colliding with an HCSO patrol vehicle. However, the deputy was unharmed.
The lads then fled on I-4 before stopping at Royal Palm Drive in Kissimmee and fleeing, but investigators claimed they were caught in an adjacent residential neighborhood by deputies.
One suspect is claimed to be hiding in a shed, while another is said to be hiding under a blanket.
“In the face of these two suspects’ criminal and reckless behavior, our deputies demonstrated unrivaled professionalism and determination.” “Despite the deliberate attack on an HCSO deputy vehicle, our deputies’ commitment to the safety of the community while apprehending the suspects never wavered,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
“I am immensely proud of and thankful for our law enforcement partners for their seamless collaboration as these suspects fled across multiple jurisdictions.”
According to a press release, the Florida Highway Patrol, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and Osceola Sheriff’s Office assisted the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in apprehending the suspects.
As per deputies, the youngsters committed at least six vehicle burglaries before being apprehended.
Six vehicle burglaries were reported in total. Charges against the individuals include aggravated fleeing with intent to evade, aggravated violence of a law enforcement officer, and grand theft of a motor vehicle.