5 Teens Steal Car, Lead Deputies On Manatee Car Chase: Sheriff

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Five teenagers face multiple felony charges after leading deputies on a chase in a car stolen in Pinellas County, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

The boys, ranging from ages 14 to 16, are also suspects in a series of recent vehicle burglaries and thefts in the county, including the theft of a Lexus SUV in Lakewood Ranch. The Lexus was found unoccupied in St. Petersburg Monday.

When deputies saw a silver Honda Civic traveling south on I-275, they recognized it from a list of vehicles stolen in Pinellas County.

The driver of the car refused to stop when deputies tried to pull them over and continued north onto I-75. They exited eastbound onto Moccasin Wallow Road, where deputies deployed stop sticks, the sheriff’s office said.

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The car hit the stop sticks and kept heading eastbound into the Regency Oaks subdivision. The teens jumped out of the car and ran away on foot, but they quickly surrendered, deputies said.

One suspect was in possession of a ski mask and gloves. Other evidence was collected, as well.

All five were arrested and have been charged with grand theft auto, fleeing to elude and resisting arrest. All five teens also have open burglary and motor vehicle theft cases in Pinellas County, the sheriff’s office said.