Tampa Teen Arrested After Crashing Into Patrol Car During Getaway

16-year-old Angelisa Ugarte faces multiple charges after alleged stolen vehicle incident near Sheldon Road

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:40pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged car sensor, its surface scarred and cracked, reflecting the harsh light of a direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the gritty, investigative nature of this juvenile crime incident.A damaged car sensor from a botched getaway attempt exposes the harsh realities of juvenile auto theft in Tampa.Today in Tampa

A 16-year-old Tampa girl named Angelisa Ugarte was arrested after deputies say she rammed a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office patrol car while trying to flee in a reported stolen vehicle near the intersection of Sheldon Road and W. Hillsborough Avenue. Ugarte now faces charges including grand theft auto, fleeing to elude, resisting an officer, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Why it matters

This incident is part of a broader crackdown on auto theft by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, which has made the Auto Theft Task Force a permanent unit to improve recovery and clearance rates. The case also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces with juvenile offenders, as prosecutors will determine whether to try Ugarte as an adult.

The details

According to authorities, deputies were called to the Sheldon Road and W. Hillsborough Avenue area for a report of a stolen vehicle. When they tried to stop the suspected stolen car, 16-year-old Angelisa Ugarte allegedly took off instead of pulling over. During the attempted getaway, Ugarte is accused of ramming the patrol car before being taken into custody at the scene.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, April 12, 2026 near the intersection of Sheldon Road and W. Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa, Florida.

The players

Angelisa Ugarte

A 16-year-old Tampa resident who was arrested and charged with grand theft auto, fleeing to elude, resisting an officer, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the reported stolen vehicle incident and arrested Ugarte.

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What’s next

Prosecutors will determine whether to try Ugarte as an adult or proceed with juvenile delinquency petitions based on the charges and circumstances of the case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing juvenile crime, particularly related to auto theft, and the importance of specialized task forces and units to combat these issues in the community.