Case Update: Multiple vehicles stolen from auto-body shop; two destroyed in crash

July 5, 2023

Case #: 2023-005696

Four juvenile suspects have been charged, and charges are pending against three additional teens, in connection with the theft of at least 15 vehicles from a Bradenton auto body shop on Sunday, July 2, 2023. At this time, all of the vehicles known to be missing from the auto body shop, located in the 800 block of 11th Avenue W., have been recovered.

According to investigators, multiple suspects broke into the business on Sunday morning and stole the keys to the vehicles. At approximately 12:20 p.m., two stolen vehicles crashed in the 700 block of 12th Ave. W. One of the vehicles was engulfed in flames. The other was on its side after hitting the roof of a home. A juvenile driver of one of the vehicles sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The second driver left the scene of the crash but was later identified.

This investigation is ongoing, and we urge anyone with information to contact BPD at 941-932-9300. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at manateecrimestoppers.com or the Florida Crime Stoppers app.