Dramatic video captured the moment a fast-paced Florida police arrested a carjacker who was in a father’s pickup truck with two young children still inside.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said the father flagged off Deputy Jonathan Pazmino Alvarez in Tampa at 6:42 p.m. Monday when his vehicle, along with his two children, ages 4 and 8, was stolen.
“Alvarez immediately pursued a 2011 white Chevrolet Silverado, and was able to operate a traffic stop within minutes, without losing sight of the vehicle,” it said in a statement.
“Stop the truck, now! Pull over to the parking lot,” yells the deputy as he approaches the alleged carjacker, identified as Kevin Smith.
One of the children shouts that the person stole the vehicle.
“He’s not my dad,” says the kid in the passenger seat.
Alvarez tells the driver to get out of the car – but the man says, “I don’t!”
“Let me figure it out. I don’t know what’s going on,” says the deputy as he orders them to hand over the keys.
The driver then says that he does not want the police to slap him.
“I’m not going to punch you, brother.” Alvarez calls before handcuffing the suspect.
Police said Smith has been charged with two counts of kidnapping and one count of theft of a motor vehicle.
The sheriff’s office said Smith had a criminal history in Hillsborough County since 2003.
Sheriff Chad Chronister said, “The situation could have been much worse if there had not been prompt action by Deputy Pazmino Alvarez.”
“They stopped what could be an otherwise dire situation for any parent. Thanks to them, the two children are safe today and are in the arms of their loved ones,” he said.