Man Caught Behind the Wheel of Stolen Prius

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — An auto theft suspect drove himself to his own arrest Tuesday after Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies say they obtained information about the suspect and just where the vehicle might be found.

According to the agency, deputies were given information that auto theft suspect Jirel Soto, 35, frequented a home in the 8600 block of Bass Lake Drive. Acting on that information, deputies set up surveillance on the home.

Sure enough, the agency said, its deputies spotted the stolen Toyota Prius as it pulled into the home's driveway on Sept. 27. Patrol cars blocked the driveway and detained the driver and passenger.

Soto was charged with vehicle theft, possession of methamphetamine, possession of heroin, possession of a legend drug and possession of paraphernalia.

The Toyota, the sheriff’s office said, was returned to its rightful owner.

As for the passenger, deputies say they also found narcotics in her possession. Christian Gann, 32, now faces possession of hydromorphone and paraphernalia charges.

Soto and Gann were booked into the Pasco County Jail early Wednesday morning. Booking information is not yet available.

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