Law Enforcement Pursues Accused Carjackers Through 3 Counties

WINTER HAVEN, FL – Three people have been arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office following a carjacking and law enforcement pursuit that spanned three counties.

The carjacking began in Osceola County Friday, March 2, and involved several law enforcement agencies pursuing the accused carjackers more than 100 miles along Interstate 4 through Polk and Hillsborough counties.

Tampa Police were called by the Florida Highway Patrol to assist in the pursuit around 1 p.m.

Tampa Police officers took up the chase as the accused carjackers were heading south on Interstate 275. The car exited at Howard and Armenia avenues and drove down several Tampa streets before getting back on I-275 heading north. The suspected carjackers then turned east onto Interstate 4 and headed into Polk County where they were apprehended by Polk County Sheriff’s deputies.

Tampa Police stopped pursuing the car when the department's police helicopter was able to track the car from the air. However, before halting the pursuit, Tampa Police cruiser struck a guardrail on I-275 just south of downtown Tampa. The officer received minor injuries.

Polk County Sheriff's Deputy Grady Judd is expected to provide more details on the pursuit and the arrest during a press conference today.

Patch will provide updates when they are available.

Image via Lakeland Police