Flex Cuffs Allow Arrestee to Slip Out and Steal Officer's Car

10/11/00
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A fugitive from justice was arrested Tuesday,
but managed to make one last, nearly successful bid for freedom.

Detective Sgt. Stephen Bannon arrested Rufino Ramo , 25, when
Bannon spotted Ramos driving an expensive vehicle that didn't
belong to him.

Ramos saw the detective and drove off, but quickly parked and
tried to flee on foot. Bannon managed to chase him down and
placed flex cuffs on him.

Ramos was placed in the backseat of Bannon's unmarked car,
where he managed to slip his plastic cuffs and drive off  in the
officer's vehicle, first swerving at the arresting officer. The officer
was examining the stolen car when Ramos slipped his restraints.

Bannon fired one round at Ramos, grazing him and slightly injuring his
 hand and face. Bannon's vehicle was located about 15 minutes later.

An aggressive search in the area produced Ramos, who was hiding
in the basement of a nearby home.

Ramos was charged with stealing a motor vehicle, committing assault with 
a dangerous weapon and resisting arrest. He also had several warrants from
Rhode Island and was wanted on narcotics charges in he state of Pennsylvania.

Backup news staff writer Richard Rogers

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