2 Boys, 14, Stole Car, Face Charges: Hillsborough County Sheriff

TAMPA, FL — Two 14-year-old boys were arrested Sunday night after stealing a car, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Facebook post.

Just after 10 p.m., HCSO’s patrol units were searching for a Dodge Charger that had been stolen earlier that day.

Deputies, with assistance from the Aviation Section, tracked the stolen car as it headed south on the Veterans Expressway and then continued west on Interstate 275, crossing the Howard Frankland Bridge.

While under surveillance, the car became stuck in traffic, allowing deputies to arrest the suspects.

One boy was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle and burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, the agency said. The other boy was charged with trespass in an unoccupied structure or conveyance.

Though the sheriff’s office named the teens arrested, it’s Patch policy to not name juveniles charged with a crime unless they were charged as an adult. It’s not known how the boys were charged.

“I am proud of our patrol units and Aviation Section for their teamwork in bringing these suspects to justice,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “Let this be a clear message: we will not tolerate theft in our community. If you steal, we will track you down and hold you accountable.”