Four juveniles in Ruskin, Florida, were arrested after allegedly stealing a vehicle, driving it through multiple neighborhoods, burglarizing various other cars, and they were even being recorded trying to escape into the woods. Reportedly, the youngest in the bunch is only 12 years old.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), the incident took place at around 3 a.m. on Saturday, May 16. At the time, deputies responded to Oceanside Circle in Ruskin after a car theft was reported.
Shortly after, authorities, thanks to their Aviation Unit, managed to spot the stolen vehicle driving through multiple Florida neighborhoods.
The HCSO then detailed that the juveniles had “attempted to burglarize parked vehicles.”
Footage Released
The sheriff’s office shared footage of the Aviation Unit online. The short clip shows the vehicle, allegedly housing the four juveniles involved, parked in a local neighborhood. One individual is shown exiting the vehicle and, allegedly, door-checking some parked vehicles.
On Will Scarlet Avenue, the vehicle stopped momentarily. Then, it drove off the road for a moment. Eventually, all four juveniles stopped the vehicle near Little Manatee River State Park and exited, walking into the woods. The stolen car, still running, hit a fence.
Eventually, deputies arrived at the scene and arrested all four individuals. Additionally, a discarded firearm was recovered at the scene.
Juveniles Charged
All four juveniles are facing multiple charges as a result of the series of alleged crimes they committed.
Julius Ortiz, 15, was charged with grand theft motor vehicle, grand theft, minor in possession of a firearm, burglary of an occupied dwelling, armed trespass on property, armed burglary of a conveyance with firearm possession, tampering with physical evidence, and resisting officer without violence.
The other three suspects, 14-year-old Yaretzi Cruz Santiago, 13-year-old Leroy Hernandez, and 12-year-old Rogelio Venegas, were charged with third-degree grand theft while wearing a mask, burglary of an unoccupied conveyance while wearing a mask, trespass on property other than a structure or conveyance, and resisting an officer without violence.
Recent Juvenile Arrests
Days before the incident described above, other juveniles were also the center of law enforcement’s attention. As reported by the Sentinel Colorado, four juveniles were involved in an alleged auto theft, with the owner of the vehicle narrowly avoiding injuries. As per the Aurora Police Department (APD), the suspects had shot at him.
APD officers later found the juveniles in a local motel. While two of them were arrested shortly after arriving, the two remaining ones barricaded themselves in their motel rooms, police said. Eventually, both minors stepped out of their rooms and were placed under arrest.