Jacob Segura, 32, waived a preliminary hearing in Madison County Court on charges of theft by unlawful taking or disposition and possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to law enforcement reports, Segura came to the Police Department and asked the officer for a ride to Columbus. The officer informed Segura that it was against department policy but that he would try to arrange a ride.
The officer tried to arrange for the Madison County Sheriff's Office to transport Segura to the county line. From there, the plan was for the Platte County Sheriff's Office to transport him the rest of the way.
While waiting for the Sheriff's Office to arrive, Segura went outside to smoke a cigarette. Once outside, reports say, Segura took off in the patrol unit.
A department-issued 12-gauge shotgun was inside the cruiser.
Segura was located at a rural Creston, Neb., residence and turned himself in to the U.S. Marshal Service. The vehicle was recovered, stuck in a snowbank several miles away from the residence.
Segura is being held on $250,000 bail. He will appear in District Court for arraignment March 19.