Sarasota Woman Spots Stolen Impala, Helps Nab Suspects

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office nabbed an alleged pair of car thieves, after the vehicle owner spotted her car and followed it until deputies arrived.

According to authorities, Fredricka Reed's white Impala was stolen in Sarasota on Aug. 6. But she spotted someone else driving her car in Manatee and called 911.

She then followed the vehicle and provided location updates to dispatchers. Deputies caught up to the vehicle and tried to make a stop in the 200 block of 60th Ave West, Bradenton. 

The driver, identified by deputies as 19-year-old Tippy McCullough, crashed the car in the 900 block of 61st Ave Terr. East, deputies said. McCullough fled from the vehicle on foot. Her passenger,  40-year-old  Demarcus Morris moved to the driver's seat, deputies said.  

According to deputies:

Morris began revving the engine, attempting to get the vehicle out of a ditch. Deputies told Morris to exit the vehicle. Morris continued his attempts to flee.  Deputies broke a vehicle window in order to take Morris  into custody. Morris was not injured.  

After a short period, McCullogh was located walking in the roadway with several cuts, including a severe laceration to her leg. This was after she attempted to burglarize a duplex at 904 61st Ave Terr East, according to authorities. 

EMS responded and transported McCullough to Blake Medical Center. She is in stable condition.