A detained criminal made an unorthodox getaway attempt straight out of the "Grand Theft Auto" video game.
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Early on Tuesday, Washington deputies responded to a domestic violence violation and burglary in the Black Lake area.
Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders said the suspect initially refused to step outside, but eventually surrendered and was arrested.
While deputies awaited the victim to arrive, the suspect was able to move his handcuffs to the front of his body, unlock the interior door panel off the back of the patrol car, and use the metal handcuffs to short out the disabled window switch, which rolled the window down.
Alleged Burglar Hotwires Police Car While Handcuffed
According to Sanders, the suspect crawled out of the open window. He then fled on foot, leading deputies on an hours-long manhunt. Sanders said the suspect burglarized another home before deputies were able to catch him again.
The suspect allegedly stole tools and clothing from the second home he burglarized. Deputies continued searching for him while requesting additional resources, but there was no air support, and K9 Mac was becoming fatigued, according to Sanders.
The homeowner of the burglarized home fired a warning shot at the suspect, who fled into the woods.
Deputies and K9 Mac followed suit and eventually located the suspect hiding underneath the porch of a house.
Sanders said the suspect was booked into the Thurston County Jail on suspicion of violating a domestic violence protection order, domestic violence residential burglary, malicious mischief for damaging the patrol car, and second-degree escape.
After arresting him for a second time, Sanders reflected on the novelty of the suspect's initial escape.
"Never in my career have I ever heard of a suspect hot-wiring a disabled window switch with their metal handcuffs. However, this is a great example as to why the decision was made in 2023 to invest money into our patrol car fleet. All of our patrol vehicles come with window bars now," Sanders noted.
The suspect's identity was not released publicly. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
