07/18/14 Wellston, MO – Traffic Stop – Fake Tags – Female Handcuffed – Slips Cuffs – Steals Squad Car – Abandons Police Car – Escapes

July 18, 2014

stlouis.cbslocal.com

Police in the St. Louis County town of Wellston are searching for a 49-year-old woman who escaped from police custody while still wearing handcuffs by stealing a squad car.

The woman was pulled over Thursday for having fake temporary tags on her car. She was handcuffed and placed in a patrol car.

But while an officer was collecting information, police say the woman was able to get her hands in front of her, slide into the front seat and drive off with the car. She abandoned it and fled on foot.

Authorities say that the suspect had been arrested previously for assault on a law enforcement officer.