The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested six individuals, including five teenagers, for their involvement in a motor vehicle theft operation.
On August 9, 2023, HCSO's Communications Center received calls from residents in Fish Hawk and Riverview. Callers reported that vehicles were being broken into and possibly stolen in their neighborhood.
In less than six hours, the six suspects broke into more than ten unlocked cars, stealing a firearm in the process. All subjects were ultimately apprehended in Citrus Park after the subjects abandoned their vehicles when they struck a curb.
With assistance from aviation and K9 units, deputies safely arrested all six subjects despite their best efforts to elude law enforcement. Three of the subjects hid behind a home in a shed and the other three were arrested near their stolen vehicles.
Through investigative means, patrol units in Citrus Park were able to locate two stolen Kia Optima's near Sheldon Road and Gunn Hwy, and one Cadillac ATS that was stolen from TPD’s jurisdiction.
"Let these arrests be a reminder that our deputies will always catch those who believe they can outrun teamHCSO," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "The action of these criminals not only endangered lives on our roads but displayed a blatant disregard for the law and the well-being of our community."
Sheriff Chronister also continued to reinforce the importance of locking vehicles. Many of these thefts could have been prevented had residents locked their car doors.
The six individuals that were arrested are:
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Herman Tyson, 18
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Derrick Waldon, 17
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Zion Williams, 17
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Earl Williams, Jr., 17
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Damien Hannah, 15
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Cedrick Salter, 15
Charges and mugshots are below. Ring camera, aviation, and K9 footage are available for use in the YouTube link above.
This investigation is ongoing; any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.
