Hillsborough Deputy’s Car Hit by Teens in Stolen Vehicle, Escaping Across 3 Counties: HCSO

TAMPA, Florida (WFLA): After they were reportedly discovered stealing a car in Hillsborough County, two juveniles spent their Sunday morning evading law enforcement, according to authorities.

At 1:30 a.m., according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the Paffock Club Apartment complex about ongoing car burglaries.

When deputies attempted to stop the two 17-year-old guys who were the suspects—who had struck an HCSO patrol car—they drove off in a stolen vehicle, according to the aviation unit that had seen them. The deputy, though, escaped unharmed.

Following their escape on I-4, the lads made a halt at Kissimmee’s Royal Palm Drive and took off. However, according to the authorities, deputies discovered the teenagers in a neighboring residential neighborhood.

There were rumors that one suspect was hiding in a shed and another under a blanket.

“Our deputies showed unparalleled professionalism and resolve in the face of these two suspects’ unlawful and careless behavior. Our deputies never wavered in their dedication to protecting the community’s safety during the purposeful attack on an HCSO deputy car, according to Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our law enforcement partners’ flawless collaboration in helping these suspects flee across multiple jurisdictions makes me extremely proud and grateful.”

In addition to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and Osceola Sheriff’s Office collaborated in the search for the suspects, said the release.

Before they were apprehended, deputies stated that the youngsters had broken into at least six vehicles.

Six car break-ins were reported in total. Aggravated fleeing to escape, aggravated violence on a law enforcement officer, and grand theft of a motor vehicle are the charges brought against the offenders.