Teen Suspects Arrested After Stolen Car Chase Ends in Manatee River Swim

Two teenagers were arrested Wednesday night after authorities say they stole a vehicle in Largo, abandoned it in Parrish and attempted to evade deputies by swimming across the Manatee River.

According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies located a white Toyota Camry reported stolen by the Largo Police Department at the Sonic Drive-In in the 8300 block of U.S. Highway 301 North. When deputies attempted a traffic stop, the driver crossed a concrete median into a nearby neighborhood. Authorities said deputies did not pursue the vehicle.

The Camry was later found abandoned on 80th Avenue East. Deputies, assisted by a K-9 unit and a sheriff’s helicopter, searched the area and tracked the suspects as they fled toward the Manatee River.

Both teenagers entered the water in an apparent attempt to escape. During the incident, one of the suspects began struggling in the river. Deputies launched a small boat to rescue the teen, while a North River Fire District crew responded with a second boat and took the other suspect into custody.

Investigators said one of the teenagers later admitted to stealing the Camry in Largo and confessed to breaking into multiple other vehicles in the area.

Both suspects were charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, fleeing to elude law enforcement, trespassing in a conveyance and resisting an officer without violence.

The sheriff’s office said deputies’ focus quickly shifted from apprehension to ensuring the teenagers’ safety after they entered the unfamiliar waters of the Manatee River. Authorities noted the rescue could have ended much differently had emergency responders not acted quickly.

Officials also said the incident stemmed from a series of poor decisions that escalated from vehicle theft and burglaries to fleeing law enforcement and attempting to escape by swimming across the river.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the Largo Police Department is expected to file additional charges related to the stolen vehicle case.