Newport News, Virginia Officials Look for Suspect Who Stole Police Car
7/20/04
Newport News officials are looking for a suspect, they say, who stole a police car after he was arrested Monday night.
According to authorities, police were called to the 600 block of Riddley Circle on reports of a suspicious person.
When officers arrived and took the man – 39-year-old John Romance Allison Jr. – into custody, they discovered he had outstanding warrants in Hampton and Norfolk for drug possession.
Alllison was arrested, handcuffed and placed in the back seat of a squad car.
Police say while the officer was at the rear of the car, Allison climbed through the window separating the front seat from the back seat.
He then put the car – which was already running – into gear and drove away.
The car was ditched a few blocks away in the 700 block of 17th street. Officials say Allison then fled on foot.
Allison is described as a black male, 5’5" tall, weighing 140 pounds.
Police say his last known address was in Hampton, but they do not believe he still lives there.
When apprehended, Allison faces charges of possession of a controlled substance, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and escape from custody.
Anyone with information on Allison’s whereabouts is asked to call the Crimeline at 1-999-LOCK-U-UP.
Newport News police say an internal investigation is underway regarding the stolen squad car.