In a high-stakes crime spree that stretched from Rhode Island to Florida, two young men managed to evade police for over 1,200 miles in a stolen Ferrari 488 Spider. The daring theft began on August 24 in Cranston, Rhode Island, where the suspects, armed with handguns, broke into a home and demanded the keys to the Ferrari, valued at over $250,000. The thieves left behind a Corvette owned by the same victim, opting instead for the high-speed capabilities of the Ferrari.
The suspects’ crime spree quickly escalated as they led law enforcement on multiple high-speed chases across four states. The Ferrari, with its 660 horsepower, allowed the thieves to repeatedly outmaneuver police, reaching speeds in excess of 130 mph. The car was first spotted by Rhode Island State Police, who were unable to keep up with the vehicle as it sped into Connecticut. Later that night, New York State Police also attempted to apprehend the suspects, but the powerful Ferrari once again eluded capture.
The stolen car remained out of sight until it was spotted in Florida by a Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy. This time, police were prepared, calling in a helicopter to aid in the pursuit. Despite the suspects’ efforts to hide the Ferrari under a tarp at a Palm Coast residence, one of the thieves, 19-year-old Johnathan Costa, was eventually captured. His accomplice, 18-year-old Logan Slezak, was arrested in Rhode Island shortly thereafter.
Both men now face serious charges, including armed robbery, conspiracy, and using a firearm during a violent crime. The case underscores the dangerous lengths some individuals will go to fulfill their thrill-seeking desires, and the extensive resources law enforcement must deploy to bring such criminals to justice.
h/t: The Auto Wire