Tampa Police Arrest Accused Car Thief After 2-Hour Manhunt

TAMPA, FL -- After a more than two-hour manhunt, Tampa Police arrested a man who was spotted in a stolen car and fled from police.

At 9:41 p.m. Thursday, July 12, Tampa Bay Police officers spotted a 2017 silver Ford Mustang with a black convertible top near North 30th Street and East Osborne Avenue. The car matched the description of a car taken in an armed carjacking Sunday, July 8 at Hush Gentleman's Club, 3260 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa.

The driver took off upon spotting the officers and Tampa Police began a pursuit near East Osborne and 22nd Street. The chase ended when the Mustang crashed into a fence on North 50th Street just north of Hillsborough Avenue.

The suspect then fled on foot, heading north of 50th Street and officers chased after him.

The man may have fired at the officers, but that has not been confirmed. The officers were not injured and did not fire their weapons.

Tampa Police established a perimeter in the area with officers and K9 on the ground and the police helicopter keeping watch in the air. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office also assisted.

After more than two hours, the man, identified as Andre Antonio Parker, 26 of 15411 Quail Woods Place, Ruskin, was found at about 12:30 a.m. Friday, July 13 by K9 Xavier. The K9 held Parker by the ankle until officers arrived. After being arrested, Parker was transported to the hospital to have his ankle treated.

Parker faces multiple charges, including grand theft auto, aggravated fleeing to elude and leaving the scene of a crash.

The investigation is continuing and other charges are possible.

Image via Tampa Police

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