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Drunk driver steals police cruiser in St. Joseph County

Posted at 10:25 AM, Dec 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-28 10:25:48-05

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Mich. — A driver stole a patrol vehicle early Monday morning in St. Joseph County after being arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated.

Deputies were dispatched about 3:10 a.m. for a single-vehicle crash on Lutz Road near Hoshel Road, according to a news release.

While searching the vehicle, the driver was able to slip free from her handcuffs and crawl through the petition.

The driver then stole the patrol vehicle and fled officers south on Lutz Road.

When reaching the intersection of US 12, the driver went through the intersection and hit a utility pole and several trees.

She then fled on foot and was found about 100 yards to the east.

Police took her back into custody after a short foot pursuit.

They later found that she had originally given deputies a false name.

The driver, a 25-year-old Sturgis woman, was lodged at the St. Joseph County Jail.