NEW YORK — A Long Island man facing arrest for drunk driving managed to escape police custody after slipping his handcuffs over his head and stealing a patrol car, according to New York police.
He was later apprehended in a cemetery miles away and placed under arrest again.
The 37-year-old man was pulled over by state troopers at around 5:30 a.m. Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence. After failing a sobriety test, he was arrested, handcuffed and put in the back of a police vehicle, officials said.
While officers weren’t looking, the man “managed to slip his handcuffs to the front, freed himself from the seat belt, climbed into the front seat of the patrol vehicle and drove off from the scene,” according to a statement issued by state police.
The car was later found about 3 miles (4.8 km) away, police said, while the man was located in a nearby cemetery.
He pleaded not guilty Friday to charges that included grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, unauthorized use of a vehicle and driving while intoxicated and other charges.
A message left with his attorney was not returned.
A Long Island man found himself in even more trouble after being arrested for drunk driving when he managed to steal a patrol car while still in handcuffs. The bizarre incident unfolded in the early hours of the morning, leaving law enforcement officers stunned and scrambling to apprehend the suspect.
The initial arrest occurred after police received reports of a reckless driver swerving on the road. When officers pulled over the vehicle, they discovered the driver, a 32-year-old man from Long Island, was heavily intoxicated. He was promptly placed under arrest and handcuffed before being placed in the back of a patrol car.
However, while officers were conducting further investigations at the scene, the man managed to slip out of his handcuffs and climb into the driver’s seat of the patrol car. With the keys still in the ignition, he took off at high speed, leaving officers shocked and scrambling to catch up.
A high-speed chase ensued as the man led police on a dangerous pursuit through city streets and highways. Despite efforts to stop him, including attempts to disable the stolen patrol car, the man managed to evade capture for several hours before eventually crashing the vehicle into a ditch.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, but the man now faces a slew of additional charges including grand theft auto, evading arrest, and reckless driving. The Long Island Police Department has launched an internal investigation to determine how the suspect was able to escape custody and steal the patrol car.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the unpredictable nature of individuals under the influence. It also highlights the importance of proper protocol and security measures when handling suspects in custody.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The Long Island man’s reckless actions have not only put himself in danger but also endangered the lives of others on the road. It is crucial that he be held accountable for his actions and face the consequences of his reckless behavior.
