November 12, 2018
www.wowktv.com
UPDATE (11/12/18 1:10 PM):
West Virginia State Police say the police cruiser and weapons stolen from Lincoln County have been recovered, but the man they considered armed and dangerous is still on the run.
ORIGINAL:
West Virginia State Police say they are searching for a man considered armed and dangerous after a police cruiser was stolen from Lincoln County.
According to State Police, on Sunday, November 11th, 2018 at approximately 9:30 PM, two troopers arrived at a home on upper mud river road for a courtesy transport.
Troopers say Michael McLaughlin was at the home and ran away because he is wanted for a probation violation. Both units pursued and apprehended McLaughlin.
Troopers say McLaughlin was then placed in the back of a cruiser, handcuffed behind the back and secured with a seatbelt
As troopers continued to deal with the initial situation, apparently, McLaughlin slipped his handcuffs and began to flee in the Cruiser.
Troopers say they attempted to gain control of McLaughlin but were forced to disengage
Multiple troopers and aviation continue to search for the suspect, the cruiser, and associated equipment (patrol rifle and shotgun).
The cruiser is a blue and gold, Ford Taurus sedan with WVSP plate 541.
Warrants are being obtained for the suspect and he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone who sees the cruiser or McLaughlin is asked to contact the WVSP Huntington Detachment at 304-528-5555 or call 911 immediately.
