Suncoast: Car thief crashes a stolen car into a pond

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

MCCSO

WILD RIDE: Deputies caught a car thief last night after he led them on a brief chase, ending with the stolen car crashing into a pond. 27-year-old Brendarius Pittman took his chances and sped away when deputies spotted him driving a stolen Kia Sorrento around 2:30 AM in the 900 block of Manatee Ave. W. He drove over stop sticks at multiple locations and continued to flee with a damaged front tire.

Our Aviation Unit followed his travel through parts of southern Manatee County and onto University Parkway, where Pittman lost control while navigating a curve. The car went airborne and landed in a retention pond near Sarasota-Bradenton Airport.

After jumping out of the partially submerged car, Pittman crawled onto a sidewalk and gave up. He faces multiple charges, including Grand Theft Auto, Driving With a Suspended License, Fleeing to Elude, and Possession of Marijuana.