Hillsborough County, FL – A 50-year-old man accused of stealing a Ford F-150 in Plant City was arrested Monday afternoon after deputies used aviation assistance to track him down, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies located the stolen truck around 1:50 p.m. on November 18, 2025, identifying the driver as Eric Wells. Detectives had been investigating Wells for several weeks after linking him to the vehicle theft. Authorities said he allegedly altered the truck’s appearance by removing accessories and swapping license tags to avoid detection.
When deputies moved in, Wells allegedly tried to evade capture and threw a backpack containing methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia over a fence. With help from the HCSO Aviation Unit and Auto Theft detectives, Wells was arrested without injury.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Wells faces multiple charges including grand theft of a motor vehicle, burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, trafficking in amphetamine (28–200 grams), possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal mischief. He’s also charged with driving with a suspended license (third offense), resisting an officer without violence, and tampering with physical evidence.
The investigation remains ongoing as deputies continue to review evidence tied to the stolen vehicle and narcotics.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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