A routine traffic stop in Dallas turned into a dramatic incident when a suspect allegedly managed to slip out of his handcuffs and steal a police cruiser with an officer still inside. The event unfolded on May 30 around 5:35 p.m. on South Marsalis Avenue, according to the Dallas Police Department.
Details of the Incident
The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Stacey Huffman, was initially arrested and placed in the back seat of a patrol car. Newly released body camera footage shows Huffman allegedly slipping his left hand out of the handcuffs and concealing his hands behind his back. As officers began transporting him to jail, Huffman reportedly attempted to open the locked rear door and removed his seatbelt.
Officers stopped the vehicle on Interstate 35 around 6:10 p.m. to further restrain Huffman. However, as both officers exited the vehicle, Huffman allegedly climbed into the driver’s seat and sped away. One officer managed to enter the back seat before the vehicle took off and attempted to use a Taser, but Huffman reportedly pulled the wires away, rendering it ineffective.
Officer’s Actions and Suspect’s Escape
The officer in the back seat can be heard shouting, “Stop the car!” as Huffman allegedly continued to accelerate. In a bid to regain control, the officer drew his duty weapon and struck Huffman on the side of the head. Despite this, Huffman opened the driver’s-side door while traveling at approximately 50 mph and jumped from the moving vehicle.
The patrol car traveled roughly 1,000 feet during the incident, with Huffman in control for about 30 seconds. After Huffman exited, the officer quickly moved to the front seat and regained control of the vehicle, preventing a potential crash.
Aftermath and Charges
Huffman was rendered unconscious upon jumping from the vehicle and was taken back into custody. Both he and the officer were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Huffman is expected to face multiple charges, including driving while license invalid, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and escape from custody. The incident remains under investigation by the Dallas Police Department.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
