Handcuffed suspect steals patrol car

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KOVR) — A California man who was handcuffed and arrested somehow managed to steal the officer’s patrol vehicle.

Larry James Brookshire was placed in the back of a probation officer’s SUV, but was able to maneuver himself into the front seat, according to Coleen Kincheloe with the Sacramento County Probation Department.

Still handcuffed, Brookshire stole the SUV and drove it onto I-5 before abandoning it and fleeing on foot.

“To hear somebody got out of the car with handcuffs still on, it’s like James Bond or something,” said resident Don Leidolf.

Sacramento Police, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and California Highway Patrol responded during the search, which placed two nearby elementary schools on lockdown.

Deputies found Brookshire in a North Sacramento apartment a few miles away.

The stolen squad car is the latest in a recent string of first responder vehicle thefts. In August, a Yuba City police car and a Sacramento CHP car were stolen. A Sacramento Metro Fire engine was stolen and taken for a joy ride in July.