Authorities in Los Angeles are actively searching for a woman who, despite being handcuffed, managed to commandeer an LAPD patrol vehicle late Monday night in Hollywood. The unfolding situation began near the corner of Franklin and Orchid avenues, as officers were responding to a vandalism call, FOX LA reports. The suspect, detained for allegedly damaging a Porsche SUV, was placed in the back of the patrol vehicle before she remarkably managed to get behind the wheel and drive away.
According to information provided by the Los Angeles Police Department, the elusive maneuver took place around 11:30 p.m. The patrol SUV was later found abandoned about two miles from the original location on Camrose and Paramount Drive, KTLA explained. Despite extensive searches involving ground units and air support, the handcuffed woman continues to remain at large.
In an unexpected twist, the woman in question was said to be initially detained for vandalizing a Porsche, specifically by reportedly damaging the vehicle's windshield and placing a box of alcohol on the front passenger seat, according to FOX LA. Following the incident, police are now undertaking an investigation to understand how she managed to move from the back to the front of the locked patrol vehicle while handcuffed – a feat not commonly heard of.
The LAPD Hollywood Division has indicated they will be thoroughly analyzing patrol car video footage in an attempt to clearly pinpoint how the woman managed to so deftly escape her confines and proceed to abscond with the vehicle. No crashes or theft from the vehicle itself were reported following the incident, NBC Los Angeles added. The public is being asked to assist in locating the woman, last seen wearing a gray hoodie, blue jeans, and distinctive black and white Nike tennis shoes.
Anyone with information or sightings of the suspect is being urged to contact the authorities immediately. If you happen to see her, do not engage and call 911, as reiterated by the LAPD Hollywood Division.
