Florida deputy's dashcam show chase led by two children in a stolen car

MELBOURNE, Fla. (FOX 13) - Two children were arrested after leading Florida deputies on a chase in a stolen vehicle, and dashcam video of the incident shows the dangerous situations deputies can face. 

On April 28, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a black Jaguar SUV speeding northbound on U.S. Highway 1 that was stolen during a carjacking in Martin County. The vehicle was driving 100 mph, they said. They were told that whoever was inside the vehicle possibly had a semi-automatic handgun, used during the carjacking.

Deputy Bill Hammer with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office intercepted the vehicle in the 5900 block of U.S. 1, and was joined by an Indian River County deputy. In dashcam video, Deputy Hammer is seen following the stolen Jaguar through the cities of Palm Bay and Melbourne, with his patrol car lights and sirens powered on. 

Officers from those cities deployed stop sticks along University Boulevard, but the SUV continued moving forward. Deputy Hammer used a PIT maneuver, but his patrol car caught onto the suspect vehicle, nearly toppling over, as the vehicle continued to drive. A car bumper was left behind in its trail. Eventually, both cars came to a halt, as one of the vehicles lost its bumper. 

Inside, deputies say they found a young boy who was driving the car, along with a girl as the passenger. Their ages were not released. A handgun was found inside.

Both juveniles are expected to be charged with armed carjacking, deputies say.