A suspected burglar is in custody after police say he escaped from the back of a patrol car and then tried to steal it.

Modesto police were called to Ross Dress For Less at 801 Oakdale Road for a report of a vehicle burglary in progress at about 6 p.m. Monday, according to Lt. Jolene Gonzales.

Officers arrived and witnessed the suspect breaking into a vehicle.

As they approached the suspect ran south, across Scenic Drive and toward Dry Creek. As he ran he shed clothing until he was wearing only his boxers when he jumped into the river, Gonzales said. He swam to the other side of the river where officers caught him.

Jeremy Myers, 33, was apprehended on suspicion of vehicle burglary and possession of stolen property and put in the back of a patrol car.

But while officers were outside of their cars doing follow up investigation, Gonzales said Myers managed to slip his handcuffs to the front of his body. He then put his hands through the bars in front of the patrol car’s open window and let himself out, Gonzales said.

But instead of making a run for it again Myers allegedly slipped into the front seat of the patrol car and tried to drive away but was caught by officers before he got anywhere.

His hands were cuffed again behind his back and stayed there for his ride to Stanislaus County Jail where he was booked with a third charge, attempted vehicle theft.