Washington County, MO - Man Steals Police Car after Meth
Bust
Police initially called to home because of strong odors
By CHRIS CLINE\Daily Journal Staff Writer
RICHWOODS - A Richwoods man who was taken into custody Thursday for
manufacturing methamphetamine managed to get loose and steal a Washington County
Sheriff's Department police cruiser. According to Washington County Sheriff
Kevin Schroeder, the incident began at approximately 3:30 p.m. at a residence
along Highway 47 in Washington County.
“A passing motorist had reported a strong chemical smell coming from the
residence,” Schroeder said. “When officers arrived at the home, they knocked on
the door and were greeted by one of the residents. Immediately the officers
smelled the strong odor and took everyone that was inside the home into custody
for their own safety. The fire department was then called to the home to set up
fans so the house could be ventilated.”
Schroeder said one of the male suspects, described as a 42-year-old Richwoods
man, was handcuffed and placed in the back of a police car.
“The suspect managed to wiggle his arms in front of him and got loose,”
Schroeder said. “The suspect got out of the back seat and opened the front
driver's side door of the police car and took off. Other deputies that were
on the scene pursued the car, but with the torrential rain and the head start
the suspect had managed to get away.”
Schroeder said later on Thursday evening, the vehicle was found along Joe Buck
Road in Jefferson County.
“The suspect turned himself in without incident an hour later,” Schroeder said.
“He is facing numerous charges including manufacturing methamphetamine.”
Schroeder said in addition to the suspect who stole the police car, four
other individuals have charges pending against them in reference to the
incident.