Police track teens with infrared technology after they stole a golf cart

RIVERVIEW, FL - The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) shared dramatic video of a military-style aerial operation using infrared technology to track a group of teens that were accused of stealing a golf cart for a joyride.

According to the New York Post, the high-tech helicopter footage shows a police vehicle slowly trailing the golf cart after it was seemingly taken from a clubhouse in the Triple Creek Community in Riverview. The incident happened late on Wednesday, March 19th. The footage filmed from the sky as the teens, said to be between the ages of 14 and 16, hopped out and ran off to escape deputies.

The sheriff's office said in a statement, "After several foot pursuits, all five were taken into custody." The aerial infrared footage showed the kid though to be the driver stopping and trying to hide beneath a tree, while another curled up to hide near a fence and the final three gathered in a wooded area.

Sheriff Chad Chronister said, "Theft, no matter the item, is a violation of our community's sense of safety. We will continue to protect the property of our residents and hold those responsible accountable for their actions."

In a separate incident, two 18-year-olds are now facing charges after leading deputies on a chase through the College Park Estates in a stolen vehicle. According to reports, the incident happened in Berkeley County, South Carolina on Saturday, March 22nd. Deputies were patrolling College Park Road when they noticed a vehicle flagged for being stolen from North Charleston.

The driver of that vehicle was also wearing a ski-mask. After receiving confirmation that the vehicle was stolen, a deputy attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled, and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle eventually stopped and four occupants jumped out of it. One individual who ran was later identified as Jerreil Dequan Willis. Willis was reportedly holding a tan firearm as he ran.

A deputy and his K9 chased Willis on foot and he was apprehended soon after. During a search, law enforcement found a firearm Willis threw that had been converted from a semi-automatic firearm to a fully automatic firearm. They also found a spray-painted AR rifle with an obliterated serial number.

He has been charged with failure to stop for blue lights, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, possession of a machine gun, and resisting arrest. Another vehicle passenger who jumped out was later identified as Josiah Williams. Williams has been charged with possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Willis is in custody at the Hill-Finklea Detention Center on a $20,500 bond. Williams was released on a $2,000 surety bond. 
 
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gracey

felony theft.

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