Photo provided by Indian River County Sheriff’s Office
GIFFORD — A search for six suspects who bailed out of two stolen vehicles ended Wednesday after deputies, K-9 units and a sheriff’s helicopter were used to track down and detain the individuals, officials said.
Even though six individuals were involved, only two boys were arrested in the incident, Indian River County Sheriff’s spokesman Maj. Eric Flowers said. The boys face a variety of charges including grand theft auto, fleeing and eluding, possession of a firearm by a delinquent and grand theft of a firearm.
Deputies said three of the suspects – who were girls – were turned over to their parents. It was not immediately known if the three girls and the other suspect would also be charged.
The incident unfolded Wednesday afternoon after deputies got a tip of two possibly stolen vehicles near the 4400 block of State Road A1A. One of the suspects fired a round from the stolen 9mm Smith and Wesson handgun toward the bushes and water before law enforcement arrived.
A sheriff’s detective noticed two automobiles at the scene matching the description of the stolen vehicles, and tried to stop them.
Both vehicles – a blue BMW and a black Kia – were spotted leaving the area, deputies said. Authorities said six people jumped out of the automobiles and ran.
It was not immediately clear which direction the suspects ran toward.
Sheriff’s units were able to find the suspects and detain them, deputies said. Deputy Ryan Holly and his K-9 partner Ruckus found a stolen firearm in the grass that one of the suspects tossed while running.
The arrest reports for the two boys who were charged were not immediately available.
Photos provided by Indian River County Sheriff’s Office
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- Deputy Ryan Holly and his K-9 partner Ruckus
