Brake foils police car theft
By Michael Smith
Texas City Sun....Published 2/10/03

A man who is alleged to have stolen from a house and a business
is accused of trying to steal a police car as well.

The man, who told police his name was Miguel Angel Chavez, was
charged with attempted escape and burglary. Saturday he was in
the Dickinson City Jail under investigation for other burglaries.

His total bond is set at $15,000.

At approximately 5:45 p.m., police were called to a house on Lazy
Mist Drive, about a man in the garage stealing a VCR. The homeowner
gave police a description of the suspect and the car he was driving.

A short time later, police were called to the Dollar General store
on Dickinson Avenue about a man matching that description who had
stolen merchandise from the store.

A car was stopped on 39th Street after it was seen pulling into a
private driveway with the lights off. The driver had a cord which
appeared to match the stolen VCR inside the car. He also had 
various tools in the car.

While the officer was obtaining additional information from the 
homeowner, the suspect apparently was able to get his hands in
front of him. He then managed to slide open the plexiglass partition 
separating the front of the police unit from the rear. The suspect
allegedly got into the driver's seat and activated the cruiser's
emergency lights. The officer ran back to the vehicle.

Sgt. Mike Anzualda said the only thing that prevented the suspect
from escaping was forgetting to press the brake pedal while
shifting into drive.


Back