HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Florida and Texas man for their involvement in an auto theft ring.
According to deputies, on Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m., the Auto Theft Task Force was surveilling the Lutz area when deputies spotted a 2019 Dodge Challenger with a fraudulent temporary Texas tag.
Detectives discovered that this vehicle was the same one involved in the theft of a 2021 Dodge Charger from earlier that morning in St. Petersburg.
Read: Florida Man Charged After Decapitating Dog, Then Cutting His Own Throat
HCSO Units attempted a traffic stop on the Dodge, which fled recklessly and at a high rate of speed. The suspects drove into Tampa, where the vehicle was pulled into the Westshore Mall parking garage.
The driver, Jonnathan Chau, 26, and the passenger, Kourtney Siner, 19, left the vehicle and ran into the mall. HCSO’s K9 unit, Florida Highway Patrol, and the Tampa Police Department responded to the mall and located the two suspects.
Chau of Land O’ Lkaes, Florida, was booked and charged with the following:
- Grand Theft Motor Vehicle
- Possession of Burglary Tools
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
- Fleeing to Elude Highspeed
- Sell or Possess a Vehicle with Altered Numbers
- Reckless Driving
- Possession of Counterfeit License Plates
Siner, of Tomball, Texas, was booked and charged with the following:
- Grand Theft Motor Vehicle
- Resisting Officer with Violence
- Tampering with Physical Evidence
- Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony
- Carrying Concealed Firearm
- Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance
Read: 20-Year-Old Man Arrested For Murder In Riverview Road-Rage Shooting
“This incident underscores the remarkable dedication of teamHCSO. Our Auto Theft Task Force worked seamlessly alongside our aviation unit and deputies to arrest these criminals and keep our residents safe,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Together, we are sending a clear message that criminal activity will not go unchecked in Hillsborough County.”
The Auto Theft Task Force continues investigating this known auto theft ring and believes additional charges will be forthcoming.
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.