Stolen RV Leads Police on Wild High-Speed Chase Through Florida

A couple’s newly purchased RV was supposed to be their ticket to future travel. Instead, it ended up barreling through Florida roads as the centerpiece of a high-speed police chase. From a locked lot to a Walmart getaway, the situation unraveled quickly and dangerously.

Not Your Typical RV Joyride

The Class C motorhome had been stored securely, or so the owners thought. It was parked behind a gate with an electronic lock at a Port Richey storage facility. That didn’t stop the thieves. They broke in, took the RV, and even swapped out the license plates, likely to avoid being identified on surveillance or by law enforcement.

Once in possession of the stolen rig, the suspects treated it more like a stunt vehicle than a camper. Witnesses and deputies reported erratic driving, U-turns into oncoming traffic, and aggressive behavior that endangered others on the road. At one point, the driver rammed a Pasco County Sheriff’s vehicle during the chase.

Chase Ends After Walmart Shoplifting

The incident came to a head when two of the suspects were caught shoplifting at a Walmart in Hudson, Florida. They attempted to use the stolen RV as a getaway vehicle. After they abandoned the driver, Larry Donaldson, he was left alone behind the wheel.

As deputies closed in, Donaldson continued with reckless maneuvers, forcing other drivers to take evasive action. The chase ended with his arrest in the parking lot of Bayonet Point Medical Center. Video footage captured him on the ground with deputies drawing weapons.

A Costly and Emotional Loss

For Donna Van Tassel and her husband, the RV wasn’t just a vehicle – it represented plans, memories yet to be made, and a significant financial investment. The theft came just a week after they purchased it. When recovered, the RV was in rough shape.

Van Tassel said the interior had a strong odor, and she suspected the suspects had been living in it. She also voiced concerns about drug use inside the vehicle and potential lingering toxicity. Despite everything, she expressed a surprising sense of compassion.

“They’re desperate people and they need help,” she said. “If it’s not me, then who?”

Van Tassel, an ordained minister, expressed interest in meeting the suspects to offer guidance and support.

RV Theft by the Numbers

While not common, RV theft does occur, and it’s often targeted at higher-end models, such as Class A and Class C motorhomes. One report estimates that approximately $1 billion worth of RVs are stolen in the U.S. annually. Only about 40% are recovered.

Most thefts occur during the off-season, when RVs are in storage and less monitored. Experts recommend using multiple deterrents to help reduce the chance of theft.

Smart Ways to Protect Your RV

Lock It Down

• Use heavy-duty locks on all doors, storage compartments, and hitch points.
• Consider wheel locks or steering wheel clubs as added deterrents.

Add Tracking or Alarms

• Install a GPS tracker so the RV can be located quickly if stolen.
• Audible alarms can alert nearby people and potentially scare off intruders.

Choose Your Storage Wisely

• Look for facilities with security cameras, coded gate entry, and on-site staff.
• Even gated lots aren’t immune to theft, but layered security helps.

Keep Detailed Records

• Document the VIN, license plate number, and have current photos.
• These help police and insurance companies move faster if your RV goes missing.

This Florida theft highlights how fast things can go wrong, even when you think you’ve done everything right. While it’s rare to see an RV involved in a high-speed pursuit, stories like this are a real-world reminder of the value of vigilance. Thieves may not always be looking for a quick getaway, but when they are, even your home-on-wheels might be a target.