Nitro, WV - Suspect Drinking at Bar Steals Charleston Police Cruiser - Pursuit - Struck Several Fences - DWI

Nitro Man Arrested After Allegedly Stealing Police Cruiser
Posted Saturday, March 22, 2008 ; 12:11 PM
John Osborne

Police said suspect took cruiser after drinking at a Charleston bar

NITRO -- Nitro police arrest a man, after he allegedly stole a Charleston police cruiser.

Officers observed the white police cruiser around 5:00 a.m., Saturday morning with the emergency lights being turned off and on several times, with the driver driving in an erratic manner.

Nitro police determined the driver was not a police officer and tried to make an emergency stop. That's when police said the driver refused to comply and lead officers on a pursuit. Police said the stolen vehicle struck several fences and was stopped using stop sticks a time later.

The vehicle was determined to be a Charleston Police Department cruiser by the registration plate.

John Osborne, 21, of Nitro was arrested and told officers he took the car after drinking at a bar on Capitol Street. Osborn is charged with fleeing in a vehicle with driving under the influence, and possession of a stolen vehicle. Police said additional charges are pending.

Osborne is in the Western Regional Jail.
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