Harris Co. man takes cop car, drives through 15 yards, police say Burglary suspect drives off in Pct. 4 deputy's patrol car

A suspected burglar managed to steal a patrol car after he was handcuffed and buckled into the back seat, authorities said.

The man's short-lived joy ride began about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday when a Harris County Precinct 4 deputy constable spotted a suspicious Ford pickup truck driving along the 5400 block of Mossy Timbers in Atascocita.

The deputy constable stopped the truck and ran the plates. It was listed as stolen. He searched the vehicle and uncovered a cache of apparently purloined electronics gear, authorities said.

The deputy cuffed the man, identified as Robert Paul Cantrell, 41, and placed him in the back seat of his patrol car. Then, he went back to continue investigating the stolen truck.

"He turned around and saw the guy (Cantrell) jump over the back seat to the front seat," said Precinct 4 Capt. Wally Wieghat.

Still handcuffed, Cantrell drove the patrol car in reverse — striking a parked vehicle - then spun it around as the deputy chased after him on foot.

Precinct 4 officials said Cantrell drove through about 15 backyards in the neighborhoods. He was met by a deep bayou, however, after smashing through the last fence.

"He immediately went down the embankment and crashed the car," Wieghat said. "He kicked the door open and fled on foot."

Authorities said Cantrell apparently is from Polk County.

"He didn't know this area very well," Wieghat said.

As law enforcement officers began converging on the area, Cantrell crawled into the back seat of a nearby car and tried to hide.

A local resident saw Cantrell and notified officers. He was taken into custody, officials said.

Cantrell is now facing a variety of charges including felony escape and criminal mischief, officials said.

mike.glenn@chron.com