A routine traffic stop in Dallas escalated when a suspect, while handcuffed, reportedly stole a police cruiser. The incident placed an officer in the back seat during the getaway before the vehicle was brought to a stop.
Newly released body and dash camera footage highlights the suspect’s escape from restraints and the subsequent events. The situation unfolded on May 30 around 5:35 p.m. when two officers pulled over a vehicle on South Marsalis Avenue.
The suspect, Stacey Huffman, 37, was arrested and secured in the back of a patrol car. However, video evidence shows Huffman freeing his left hand from the cuffs and keeping his hands behind his back.
After the officers began transporting him, Huffman allegedly attempted to exit by removing his seatbelt and tugging at the rear door. The squad car made a stop on Interstate 35 at about 6:10 p.m., aiming to restrain Huffman further.
As the officers left the vehicle, Huffman reportedly moved to the driver’s seat and accelerated away. Before the vehicle picked up speed, an officer jumped back into the rear, deploying a Taser, which proved ineffective after Huffman removed the wires.
The officer repeatedly instructed Huffman to stop the car. Huffman, allegedly ignoring these commands, accelerated further, prompting the officer to use his firearm and hit Huffman on the side of his head.
In the captured footage, the officer can be seen thrown about the back seat while the car swerved at a high speed. Huffman opened the driver’s-side door, jumped from the moving vehicle at roughly 50 mph, leaving the car unmanned.
The patrol car traveled about 1,000 feet, with Huffman at the wheel for around 30 seconds, according to the footage. The officer quickly moved to the front seat and took back control, averting any collision.
Huffman was found unconscious shortly after exiting the vehicle and was taken back into custody. Both he and the officer were sent to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Authorities have indicated that Huffman is set to face multiple charges. These charges include driving with an invalid license, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and escape from custody. The investigation into the event is still active.