Hillsborough County deputies had a little help from the air last week in apprehending a suspect accused of stealing a vehicle in the Lithia area.
Aerial Support Spots Suspect Fleeing
The incident began on October 10, around midday, when deputies received reports of a stolen vehicle near Lithia Pinecrest Road and Bloomingdale Boulevard. As ground units responded, the Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit was already airborne and spotted a man fleeing the scene on foot.
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Arrest Made Without Incident
With live aerial tracking guiding officers on the ground, deputies were able to locate and arrest the suspect, identified as 33-year-old Chad McKee, without any physical confrontation. The stolen vehicle was found abandoned a short distance from where McKee had initially fled.
Charges Filed
McKee faces charges of grand theft auto and resisting arrest without violence. Sheriff’s officials credited the coordinated response between aerial and ground units for allowing the arrest to be made safely and without further damage or injury.
A Broader Shift in Law Enforcement Tactics
The case reflects a growing trend among Florida law enforcement agencies toward using aircraft and drones to track suspects in real time, reducing the need for high-risk ground pursuits. Hillsborough County’s aviation unit has been credited with cutting response times and lowering the risk associated with vehicle chases.
The recovered vehicle has been returned to the investigation process as detectives continue working the case.