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TAMPA - A car theft that began at a local gym Monday morning ended soon after with a crash into an elementary school and the arrests of four men.
Some children saw parts of the crime unfold.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said a deputy began chasing a stolen 2005 Ford Expedition about 11:30 a.m., after a witness saw five men take the sport utility vehicle from Lifestyle Family Fitness, 11252 W Hillsborough Ave.
With the deputy following, the driver headed east on Lambright Street and attempted to turn north on Glenn Avenue, where Egypt Lake Elementary is located. The vehicle hit a fence and came within 6 feet of a building which housed about 30 fifth-graders.
Several of the men fled through the campus past children, including some who were in physical education class.
Four of the suspects were arrested and another remained at large late Monday.
Arrested and charged with grand theft were Fabian Lucas, 18, of 1701 E Maple Ave.; Marquese Finley, 22, of 9417 N Brook St.; and Albert Moultrie, 18, of 9309 N 12th St. A 17-year-old was also charged; his name was withheld because of his age.
The school was locked down for about an hour. Letters were sent home to parents explaining what happened.
"No one got hurt," said school spokesman Mark Hart. "It was a little scary."