Handcuffed Man Escapes Custody, Steals Police Car on Dallas Highway

A 37-year-old suspect in Dallas freed himself from handcuffs in the back of a patrol car, stole the vehicle, and led officers on a brief chase before jumping from the moving car.

Handcuffed Man Escapes Custody, Steals Police Car on Dallas Highway

A 37-year-old man arrested during a traffic stop in Dallas, Texas, managed to slip out of his handcuffs, steal the police cruiser, and spark a dangerous chase on a major interstate before leaping from the still-moving vehicle.

The incident unfolded on Saturday, May 30, when officers pulled over Stacey Huffman for a registration violation, according to CBS News. During the stop, police discovered he was driving with an invalid license, possessed a controlled substance, and was carrying a firearm illegally. Officers placed him under arrest and secured him in the back seat of their patrol car.

While en route, Huffman worked his left hand free from the restraints. He hid both arms behind his back and attempted to unlock the rear door and unfasten his seatbelt. The officers noticed his movements and pulled over on the northbound side of Interstate 35 to re-secure him.

As both officers stepped out of the vehicle, Huffman climbed into the driver's seat and sped away. One officer jumped into the back seat and tried to stop him using a Taser and his service weapon. The suspect continued driving erratically for roughly 300 meters, then jumped out of the car while it was still traveling at high speed.

The empty patrol car kept accelerating down the highway. The officer in the back seat grabbed the steering wheel and swerved sharply, narrowly avoiding a collision.

Huffman lost consciousness after hitting the ground. Police and bystanders administered first aid at the scene. He was taken to a hospital and remains under guard. Once discharged, he will face multiple charges related to the original arrest and the subsequent escape.

Source: Google News SK — Crime (sk)