Three teens arrested in auto burglary, hit and run after eluding deputy, dragging deputy vehicle

PINELLAS COUNTY - Three Pinellas teens were arrested after stealing a truck, doing multiple hit and runs and fleeing deputies Monday afternoon, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies responded to 105 161st Avenue in Redington Beach following reports that a speeding Ford Pick-Up truck had struck a mailbox and left the scene.

A deputy in the area saw a vehicle that matched the description and attempted to stop the driver.  

But the driver, 16-year-old  Christopher Nhat Nguyen, just he sped off, authorities say.  

16-year-old Osmany Adelman and 15-year-old Rithysond Marvin Phoeuk were passenger's inside the vehicle.

Additional reports of hit and run crashes were made in the area of Boca Ciega Drive in Madeira Beach, and the vehicle description matched the Ford pick-up.

The truck was spotted by other deputies near Boca Ciega Drive and Gulf Boulevard in Madeira Beach.

When the suspect vehicle observed the deputies, Nguyen, spun the truck around and went up onto a landscaped area and into the parking lot of a 7-11.

A deputy approached the truck with his cruiser in an attempt to "pin" the door.

The suspect vehicle then backed up to get away, but with the truck hooked the bush guard of the cruiser, dragging it approximately five feet.

Deputies say at that point Nguyen and two occupants, Adelman and Phoeuk bailed from the car.  

Deputies say Adelman was located swimming in the canal behind the 7-11.

All three teens were apprehended shortly after.  

Deputies determined the Ford Pick-Up Truck had been reported stolen out of Pinellas Park.

Deputies also say that earlier,  a deputy had observed Adelman driving the pick-up truck and there was property recovered from the vehicle that did not belong to the vehicle owner.

Nguyen  was arrested for auto theft, Driving Without a License, Hit and Run, Obstruction and Violation of

Probation.

 Adelman was arrested for with auto theft, Driving Without a License,  obstruction and Violation of Probation.

Phoeuk was arrested for for obstruction and Violation of Probation.

The investigation continues.