TAMPA, FL -- Tampa police say two suspected car thieves may want to look for a new line of work. They're accused of trying to steal an unmarked Tampa police car, while two undercover officers were inside.
According to a Tampa police report officers saw three teens "
looking into parked cars near W. Columbus Drive and N. Oakdale Ave and the squad established surveillance."
The juveniles were holding flat tip screwdrivers, a flashlight and a piece of concrete rock as they approached the officer's undercover Dodge Stratus. One of the juveniles said, "Hey, how about we get this car?" They shined the flash light in the unmarked car and were about to smash out the right rear passenger window when the officers jumped out of the car, identifying themselves as Tampa Police Officers. The juveniles then ran away, but were apprehended after a foot chase.
The juveniles admitted that their intent was to break into the Dodge Stratus and trying to steal it. The suspects admitted that they were unaware that the officers were inside of the car or that the Dodge Stratus was a police vehicle.
Both teens are charged with Auto Burglary, Possession of Burglary tools and resisting arrest without violence.