Stolen car slams into undercover officers on patrol for stolen cars
ST. PETE (FOX 13) -
Several people were rushed to the hospital overnight after a stolen car slammed into an undercover police truck, which just happened to be patrolling the area for stolen vehicles.
St. Pete police say it all went down shortly before 12:30 a.m.at Central Avenue North and 54th Street North, where a St. Pete police officer and a Tampa police officer were taking part in a joint operation to crack down on recent auto thefts in the area.
St. Pete Police Chief Anthony Holloway says the officers were actually on the lookout for another stolen car, when by coincidence, this one came crashing into them.
Detectives say a 25-year-old man was behind the wheel. Five others- four girls and two guys, all between the ages of 15 and 25- were also in the car.
They were all rushed to local hospitals, where the driver and at least one other passenger are now said to be in critical condition.
Chief Holloway says both officers were also taken to the hospital as well, but they are expected to be OK.
Investigators say the car was stolen, and in turn, the accident occurred, because the keys were left inside the car sometime last week.
It serves as another reminder to locals: Lock you vehicles and take your keys with you to avoid incidents like this one.