Tampa officer crashes in pursuit of carjacking suspects

TAMPA (OF X13) - A Tampa police officer is recovering after a pursuit of carjacking suspects led to a crash Saturday night.

Authorities said the officer spotted the suspect vehicle shortly before 9 p.m. and began following it.

The car was believed to have been stolen Friday from Central Avenue and E. Kirby Street. Police said the vehicle was involved in three separate robberies since the carjacking.

It's unclear what caused the officer to crash into a pole during the incident. The officer was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

Police said the suspects fled on foot from the car. They were not located during a search of the area.