Deputies: 3 teenage boys steal SUV, lead Orange County deputy on chase

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Three teenage boys stole an SUV Wednesday evening and led a deputy on a chase, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said.

The deputy was working an off-duty detail at about 6:45 p.m. in the Woodland Lakes Preserve subdivision near Curry Ford Road and South Alafaya Trail when he noticed someone driving the SUV around and stopping at houses, Orange County Lt. Craig Hall said.

As two of the boys were returning to the vehicle, the deputy approached the trio, Hall said.

"The deputy was positioned on the inside of the open passenger door and started questioning the suspects," he said. "As he asked for the driver's license, the driver put the vehicle in reverse and hit the gas."

Investigators said the open door slammed back and struck the deputy, but he wasn't injured.

The trio fled and the deputy chased them to the Orange County Landfill on Young Pine Road, where they bailed from the stolen vehicle, officials said.

About 20 deputies, including K-9 units, and the Sheriff's Office helicopter were used to search for the trio, but deputies called off the manhunt.

Deputies continued the manhunt at about 11:30 p.m., and this time their search was successful, Hall said.

Investigators found two of the boys, both 17, at Curry Ford Road and Young Pine roads. After detectives interviewed them, they were able to identify the third boy, a 16-year-old.

Each of the boys was charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.

None of the people involved were publicly identified.

No other details were given.

Cox Media Group