12-year-old boy accused of stealing elderly man’s car at gas station

A 12-year-old Florida boy was arrested after he stole a car from an 89-year-old man, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

Raymond Raferty was pumping gas when police said the boy, who was riding a bicycle, told Raftery that one of his tires was low on air. According to St. Petersburg police, when Raftery went to check the air on his tires, the boy made his move.

"He jumped off the bike and into the car and was gone in 30 seconds. He was good. I felt kind of dumb afterward, but it was broad daylight, and he was a kid. If it was an adult, I would have been more suspicious, but you never know — you live and you learn," Raftery said.

The boy was spotted by dectives and was arrested on a charge of grand theft of a motor vehicle. According to authorities, this was not the first time the boy has been alleged of vehicle theft, and has been arrested more than 20 times previously.

Raftery said he was glad no one was injured during the acident. Although he got his vehicle back, it wasn't in the best shape.

"I think he got into a car accident. He probably couldn't even reach the pedals, " Raftery said.

Contact Caitlin Lilly at clilly@reviewjournal.com. Find her on Twitter: @caitiesmith