HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies arrested a 33-year-old man after a dramatic search involving both air and ground units in Lithia, Florida.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), their aviation unit responded Friday to the area of Lithia Pinecrest Road and Bloomingdale Boulevard, where they spotted Chad McKee, who was shirtless at the time.
“We got eyes on the guy,” an official said over the radio as McKee was tracked from above.
Authorities say McKee attempted to flee after stealing a vehicle, but the aerial team quickly located him walking through a residential backyard. Footage showed him gesturing toward the helicopter and appearing agitated before deputies on the ground arrived.
Bodycam footage captured a deputy approaching McKee and ordering him to the ground. McKee hesitated before being handcuffed, saying, “Can you please leave me alone? This is evil as hell.”
The stolen vehicle was recovered one block away from where McKee was detained.
McKee now faces charges of grand theft motor vehicle and resisting an officer without violence, according to HCSO.
