Stolen Patrol Unit Triggers Chase, Crashes into House
7/4/01 - By Associated Press

HOT SPRINGS - A man who gave a fictitious name to officers
investigating a suspicious parked car Wednesday ended up 
handcuffed in the back of a patrol unit anyway, because
the name he gave was that of a relative wanted by police.

But if his words had gotten him into a tight spot, he thought
 he knew how to get out - and he did, but not for long.

While officers were searching a vehicle in which the suspect
had been sitting, he managed to free himself from his handcuffs,
climb through the divider from the back seat into the front,
and drive the police unit away, according to a news release
from Hot Springs police.

Other units chased the stolen patrol car through the city's
south side until the suspect lost control of the car, crashing
it into a retaining wall and the corner of a house, the release
said. The driver then fled on foot, breaking into a nearby 
residence and confronting the owner with a demand for his car 
keys, according to the release.

The owner complied, but then pulled a handgun on the intruder
and prepared to escort him outside into the arms of police the
homeowner had heard arriving.

But the homeowner and his intruder went out the rear door of the
house while police were at the front door - and the suspect ran,
according to Cpl. Michael Beck, public-information officer for
Hot Springs police. "I think he just wanted him out of the house,
and was glad to see him go," Beck said.

Police gave chase and captured the man moments later, Beck said.
One of the officers recognized the man, and realized the suspect
had earlier giving officers the name of a relative.

Randy Dean Griggs, 27, of  Bonnerdale was arrested on charges of
theft over $2,500 and burglary, the release said.

Beck said the police car sustained extensive damage but was
not a total loss. An estimate of the monetary damage wasn't
available Wednesday, Beck said.


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