California man who stole CHP car sent back to prison

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - A Santa Cruz man who got a break after stealing a California  
Highway Patrol cruiser was sent back to prison for what will probably be the rest of his life.

John Vincent Smith was sentenced to three years in prison for violating the terms of his probation.

His attorney says he'll probably die behind bars because he's suffering from cancer, heart
problems and Hepatitis C.

The 52-year-old Smith is expected to die within a year.

Smith was serving time for stealing a C-H-P patrol car in Santa Cruz County in October of
2003.

After the C-H-P officer arrested him for allegedly stealing another car, Smith drove off in 
the C-H-P cruiser while still in handcuffs.

Smith was released early so he could get drug treatment, but was arrested again last fall when
police say they found him in possession of heroin.


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