A routine traffic stop in Dallas escalated into chaos when a handcuffed suspect allegedly commandeered a police cruiser and drove off with an officer inside, according to authorities. Newly released footage from body and dash cameras documented the incident as it unfolded.
Police reported that the event occurred around 5:35 p.m. on May 30, when two officers stopped a vehicle on South Marsalis Avenue. Stacey Huffman, aged 37, was arrested, handcuffed, and placed in the back seat of a patrol car.
Video evidence appears to show Huffman freeing his left hand from the cuffs and concealing his hands behind his back. As the officers began the transport to jail, Huffman reportedly tried to open the locked rear door and removed his seatbelt. Officers halted the car on Interstate 35 around 6:10 p.m. to secure him further.
As both officers exited the car, Huffman climbed into the driver’s seat and sped away. One officer jumped into the back seat and deployed a Taser, which police indicated was ineffective after Huffman removed the wires. The officer persistently shouted for Huffman to stop the car.
The officer then drew his weapon and struck Huffman on the head as the vehicle accelerated. The video revealed the officer being thrown within the back seat as the patrol car swerved down the road. Huffman eventually opened the driver’s-side door while moving at about 50 mph and jumped from the vehicle.
The patrol car traveled approximately 1,000 feet during this episode, and Huffman controlled the vehicle for roughly 30 seconds. After Huffman’s exit, the officer regained control of the car to avoid a crash.
Huffman was rendered unconscious and recaptured. Both Huffman and the officer were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities stated that Huffman faces charges including driving with an invalid license, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful firearm possession, unauthorized vehicle use, and escape from custody. The investigation is ongoing.