The Florida government arrested and charged a hijacker this week after allegedly stealing a truck with two children inside. The children, ages 4 and 8, were safely returned to their father after the arrest.
The incident began when an assistant reported through the owner of a Chevrolet Silverado at approximately 6:45 p. m. Monday, according to a news release from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The owner said the truck had been stolen and that his two young children were inside.
The officer was able to temporarily conduct a traffic stop and stopped the truck, according to the release. Body camera footage posted on Facebook via the sheriff’s office shows the suspect, known as Kevin Smith, 37, originally refusing a worker’s order to hand over the keys. and getting out of the vehicle, finally obeyed without incident.
During the arrest, one of the young men in the car gave the impression of telling the MP: “He is not my father!”
The two children, who were injured, were returned safely to their father.
“This scenario could have been much worse without the swift action of Deputy Pazmino Alvarez. It ended what could have been a scary scenario in a different way for any parent,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “Thanks to him, two young people are now safe and in the arms of their loved ones. “
Smith held without bail, according to the news release. Charged with theft of primary motor vehicle and two counts of kidnapping of thieves.