A joyride yesterday through Ruskin neighborhoods ended in the woods near Little Manatee River State Park, after deputies say four kids bailed out of a still-moving stolen car and tried to run before all of them were arrested.
Four juveniles, who police say were 15, 14, 13 and 12 years old, were taken into custody after deputies say they stole a vehicle in Ruskin, drove through several neighborhoods and attempted to burglarize parked cars. Aerial video released by law enforcement shows the suspects jumping from the rolling car and sprinting into a wooded area before deputies caught up with them. Authorities say the teens now face several charges, including grand theft auto.
How deputies tracked the stolen car
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says that around 3 a.m., deputies from its Auto Theft Unit responded to Oceanside Circle in Ruskin and began tracking the stolen vehicle as it moved through residential streets. With support from the Aviation Unit overhead, deputies followed the car while it sped toward a wooded area.
Aerial footage shows the vehicle entering the tree line, then four suspects jumping out and running toward Little Manatee River State Park, where deputies ultimately detained them, as reported by CBS12.
Who was arrested and the charges
The sheriff’s office identified the suspects by age only and says they face multiple counts, including grand theft auto. Deputies are seen in the video placing all four juveniles in handcuffs before turning them over to juvenile authorities.
The agency did not release the minors’ names, in line with standard juvenile-processing rules, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
What the data show
Incidents like this can make it feel as if car theft is spiraling, but broader numbers tell a different story. Insurance Journal reports National Insurance Crime Bureau figures showing that nationwide vehicle thefts fell about 23% in 2025, with Florida seeing an even steeper drop of roughly 29%. Local flare-ups, in other words, can still pop up even as statewide totals decline.
Legal note
Under Florida law, stealing a motor vehicle is charged as grand theft under state statute. Penalties vary by circumstances, but the crime can be prosecuted as a felony, according to the Florida Senate. How this case moves forward will depend on juvenile court procedures and any decisions prosecutors make about specific filings or possible transfers.
How residents can respond
Deputies continue to urge residents to lock their vehicles, remove valuables and quickly report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Tips and online reporting options are available through the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Investigators say the case remains under active review and that more details will be released when allowed under juvenile privacy rules.
