Orlando, FL - Teen Escapes From Officers During Arrest - Orlando Police Car Stolen With Weapons And Laptop - Suspect Escapes

Orlando police car stolen, located within minutes
 Sentinel Staff Writer
 April 2, 2009
 

Orlando police are searching this morning for the person who stole an officers patrol car and took it for joy ride.

Around 11:20 p.m. Wednesday officers were in the area of DeWitt Drive in the Parramore neighborhood trying to find a teen who escaped from an officer during an arrest, according to a police watch commander.

The officer, whose car was stolen, pulled up to the area and jumped out of his car to assist the K-9 unit. He accidentally left his car unlocked while it was still running, according to Lt. Darryl Braunskill.

While the officer was away from his vehicle, someone got into the vacant unit and took off with the cruiser and all the cop's weapons and laptop computer inside.

Officers scoured the area and  found the patrol car, still running, blocks away near Bentley Street and Beech Avenue, Braunskill said. Nothing was stolen from the car.

It's unclear who took the police cruiser, but officers say it could have been the teen who escaped from another officer.

Police did not release the name of the officer whose cruiser was stolen or if the officer will face any discipline.

Check back for updates.
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