Authorities investigating twice-stolen vehicle found in gulf near John's Pass

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is investigating a stolen SUV that ended up in the Gulf of Mexico near John's Pass early Wednesday.

According to deputies, someone drove the yellow Isuzu Vehicross off Gulf Boulevard at 129th Avenue, across the beach and into the waters near a jetty that separates the gulf from Boca Ciega Bay.

Officials said this was the second time the vehicle was stolen. The SUV was reported stolen several months ago from a private residence in Pinellas Park, officials said.

"When it was recovered (after it was stolen), there were no keys recovered with the vehicle," said Cristen Rengel with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. "When we contacted (the owner), she said it must have been stolen again."

The yellow SUV was initially found in about eight feet of water. No one was found in the water near the vehicle. A dive team was called to the scene to examine the vehicle before tow trucks arrived to the scene to retrieve the SUV from the water.

Also, a Coast Guard chopper flew over the area to examine the waters surrounding the vehicle.

Officials pulled the SUV out of the water just before 9 a.m. The vehicle was found to have the keys in the ignition and a cement paver was found on the accelerator when it was pulled from the water.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on this theft to please contact Detective M. Johnson of the Arson/Auto Theft Unit at (727) 582-6200 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS or www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org.