Fiery Bradenton crash leads investigators to 12 stolen vehicles, juvenile driver injured: Police

BRADENTON, Fla. - A fiery crash involving stolen vehicles over the weekend left one juvenile with serious injures and led Bradenton police to 10 more stolen vehicles taken from an auto body shop.

The Bradenton Police Department said at least 12 vehicles were stolen from an auto body shop in the 700 block of 11th Avenue West after multiple suspects broke in between 7-10 a.m. Sunday.

Courtesy: Bradenton Police Department.

According to authorities, the suspects stole the keys to the vehicles and removed them from the property. 

After the vehicles were stolen, two of them crashed in the 700 block of 12th Avenue West, Bradenton police said. One of the vehicles involved was engulfed in flames and the other ended up on its side after hitting the roof of a nearby home, investigators said. 

Courtesy: Bradenton Police Department.

A juvenile that was driving one the stolen vehicles was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, but police said they were non-life-threatening. 

The second driver fled the scene of the crash, officers said. 

Courtesy: Bradenton Police Department.

The police department said they were able to recover 12 of the stolen vehicle, and authorities are working with the auto body shop to determine if they are missing any more vehicles. 

The investigation into the crash and car thefts remains active, according to police. 

Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Bradenton Police Department at (941) 932-9300 or Crime Stoppers at (866) 634-8477 or make an anonymous tip online.