BRANDON, Fla. — Deputies arrested three teenage boys who investigators say stole an SUV from a man's home in Brandon, authorities said.
The homeowner called law enforcement on March 10 and claimed the teens took his car from his house Palm Key Circle. He also stated that a gun and four loaded magazines were inside the vehicle's console, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
The next day, deputies tracked the stolen car to a location on Deerbrooke Creek Circle in Carrollwood, about 22 miles away. Deputies observed the three teens enter the car, and as law enforcement approached, the teens ran off.
While running from deputies, the teens reportedly dropped the stolen gun, an additional firearm, and the SUV's keys. During the chase, one of the suspects attempted to break into a nearby home to hide, the sheriff's office said.
All three teens were eventually caught, arrested, and charged with various counts of grand theft, possession of a firearm, armed burglary of a conveyance, and resisting arrest, among other charges.
The investigation is ongoing.
"The Auto Theft Unit continues to prove to be an asset to residents of Hillsborough County," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "Their diligence and proven track record of recovering stolen vehicles should warn anyone considering committing this crime: they will find you and hold you accountable."
