SUNNY ISLES BEACH, Fla. – A man accused of stealing a luxury car from a Sunny Isles Beach hotel was arrested, but only after he returned to the scene of the crime, authorities said.
It happened at the Ritz-Carlton Residences located at 15701 Collins Avenue.
Surveillance video stills show 27-year-old Tyler Theme pulling up in what police said was a stolen Mercedes-Benz, but police said he was looking to upgrade his ride.
A new Ferrari allegedly caught his eye.
“(He) dumps the Mercedes and decides to steal a brand new Ferrari worth a couple hundred thousand dollars,” said Sgt. Brian Schnell, with Sunny Isles Beach police.
Photos show Theme getting into the Ferrari and taking off.
Apparently he had a need for speed because, according to police, Theme took the luxury car in a joy ride and smashed the high-end ride in Hialeah Gardens, totaling the Ferrari.
“(He) takes the Ferrari out joy riding and completely demolishes it on the 826,” said Schnell.
Police said two hours after the theft, Theme took a taxi back to the Ritz-Carlton, where he hoped to re-steal the original stolen Mercedes he arrived in, but there was a problem.
Sunny Isles Beach police were there, taking a report on the stolen Ferrari.
After a brief struggle, officers ended up using a Taser to subdue Theme and take him into custody.