TAMPA, Fla — A multi-county pursuit of a stolen SUV linked to Tampa auto-burglaries ended with a crash and the arrest of three people.
The Tampa Police Department says it began receiving calls reporting multiple car burglaries within miles of each other Wednesday.
Within a span of 22 minutes, a total of six cars were reportedly broken into, with one caller reporting a gun stolen from inside, according to a news release.
But it didn't stop there. Police say they received five additional calls roughly an hour after the initial break-ins. The one thing a few of them had in common? A white Honda SUV was involved.
Thanks to the eagle eye of a witness, officers were able to get the SUV's license plate allowing police to determine it was stolen out of Kissimmee.
Tampa police officers spotted the SUV had attempted a felony traffic stop, but the car drove away, leading to a chase they eventually handed off to other area agencies as the SUV hopped on I-4, according to the release.
That's where the Florida Highway Patrol stepped in, picking up the pursuit while the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Tampa Police Department's aviation units tracked the SUV from above.
The SUV later ended up going east on US-192 before crashing into another car, sending a 67-year-old man to the hospital where he died days later, troopers said.
Troopers caught up shortly after the crash and were able to take three people into custody. The 16-year-old driver of the stolen SUV was taken to a nearby hospital for unknown injuries, according to FHP.
The teen driver faces charges for fleeing to elude, grand theft auto, and auto burglary. His 18-year-old and 20-year-old passengers were both charged with auto burglary.
Troopers say there are more charges pending against the three in the crash from Florida Highway Patrol and Daytona Beach Police Department.
This is a developing story. Check back with 10 Tampa Bay for updates.
What other people are reading right now:
- What you need to know about the 6 constitutional amendments on Florida ballots
- Track Hurricane Delta
- Generous act reunites deaf dog with owner
- Florida newlyweds killed in plane crash just days after wedding
- Trump challenges Pelosi to send him bill for $1,200 stimulus checks hours after cutting off talks
►Breaking news and weather alerts: Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter