St. Petersburg police arrest two carjacking suspects, seek two more

ST. PETERSBURG — Police arrested two of four teens suspected of stealing a vehicle at gunpoint from a 49-year-old man Monday afternoon.

Police gave chase after spotting the victim's vehicle near 26th Avenue S and 45th Street. A 10-minute pursuit ended after officers deployed a "stop stick," which deflated the tires.

The suspected carjackers then tried to enter Interstate 275 going south on a north-bound exit ramp, but were blocked by a cruiser that forced the vehicle off the road before it could get on the highway.

Two teens, the 16-year-old driver, and a 14-year-old, tried to escape, but were found with the help of a police dog. One was bitten and was treated at a local hospital. Police did not release the names of the teens or disclose what charges they face.

St. Petersburg police say that the carjacking victim was visiting his son near 39th Avenue S and was walking to his car when he was confronted by the four males. One produced a handgun and demanded his car keys.

The man's son saw what had happened and tried to follow the teens in his own car.

Police are searching for the other two suspects.