Nicholas T. Grein, 43, of Tennessee, was handcuffed at about 1 p.m. after a traffic stop in Hamer Township in Highland County after the deputy learned there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

While the deputy went to look for another man who had fled on foot, Grein opened the rear window, got out of the cruiser, and got into the driver's seat, investigators said.

The deputy said he heard the car's tires spinning in the mud and saw the suspect drive away. The cruiser was later found behind a barn.

Grein was arrested Monday just before 6 p.m. after a resident reported a man with handcuffs that had been cut in the middle trying to catch a ride.

Grein has been charged with felony counts of auto theft and escape.

The second man has not been found.

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