01/08/12 Memphis, TN – Mother Helps 12 Year Old Daughter Escape From State Custody – Steals Police Car – Chase – Hit Curb – Flat Tire

Janurary 8, 2011

wmctv.com

A Memphis mother was arrested Sunday after police said she stole one of their squad cars.

Police have been looking for the woman after she allegedly helped her daughter escape from the custody of the state.

After a brief chase with officers, the stolen vehicle was located in the 3000 block of Macon.

The chase began after authorities received a suspicious person call in the area of Jackson and Trezevant.  Officers were notified that two women, a mother and daughter, named in a City Watch issued on January 5 were walking in the area.

“I ain’t never seen nothing like this before,” said witness Leon Collins.  “On TV, but not in person like I did just then.”

Investigators said the mother reportedly helped her daughter escape from DCS custody.

When officers got to the scene Sunday, the 12-year-old girl ran from officers.  The girl’s mother then reportedly got into one of the officer’s car and drove off.  The car was recovered a short time later.

“We seen her jump out with some bags in her hand, so we knew it wasn’t the police,” said witness LaKetra Paige.  “We made a U-turn, came back, and she jumped out the car.”

Both the mother and daughter were in police custody Sunday night.

A Memphis police spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing.