Suspect Slips Handcuffs, Escapes in Police Vehicle
A Long Island man, arrested for driving under the influence, managed to briefly escape police custody after slipping out of his handcuffs and stealing a patrol car, New York police reported. The 37-year-old suspect was apprehended shortly afterward in a nearby cemetery.
The incident began early Friday morning when state troopers pulled the man over at around 5:30 a.m. on suspicion of drunk driving. After failing a sobriety test, he was arrested, handcuffed, and placed in the back of a police vehicle.
Escape and Car Theft
According to authorities, while officers were distracted, the man managed to slip his handcuffs over his head, free himself from the seatbelt, and crawl into the front seat of the patrol car. He then drove away from the scene in the stolen police vehicle.
State police later recovered the patrol car roughly 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) from the site of the initial arrest. The suspect was found hiding in a nearby cemetery and taken back into custody.
Charges Filed After Recapture
The man pleaded not guilty Friday to a series of charges, including grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and driving while intoxicated, among others.
Investigation Ongoing
Police have yet to release further details regarding how the suspect was able to maneuver his handcuffs and escape from police custody. An internal investigation is reportedly underway to review the procedures followed during the arrest.
