Texas police have released footage that shows a detained woman slipping off her handcuffs, stealing a police car, and leading officers on a high-speed chase.

Toscha Sponsler was arrested in the small Texan city of Lufkin on September 2, handcuffed and put into the back of a police car.

While the car was unattended, Sponsler managed to wriggle free from her handcuffs and climb into the driver's seat.

The woman drove away at speed, and led police in a chase for 23 minutes to a nearby town.

Police said Sponsler reached speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour before losing control of the vehicle.

Sponsler is facing charges including escape with the threat of deadly weapon, aggravated assault, unauthorised use of a vehicle, possession of controlled substance and resisting arrest, according to local media.

Reuters