Under Arrest For DUI, Elkton Man Allegedly Steals State Trooper's Patrol Car

An Elkton man pulled over and arrested by state troopers for suspected drunk driving freed himself from handcuffs and stole a trooper's patrol car before fleeing into Delaware, Maryland State Police said.

Tyree Jordan, 32, was taken into custody by Delaware State Police and faces charges there. Maryland State Police are obtaining an arrest warrant for theft and related charges, and will be filing it as a detainer pending Jordan's extradition.

Just before 3 p.m. Monday, troopers responded to a crash at Rt. 40 and Melbourne Boulevard in Elkton. Police determined Jordan was at fault and that he was under the influence.

Jordan was handcuffed behind his back and seat belted in the right front passenger seat of a marked 2012 Chevrolet Caprice patrol car. While the trooper was following up with the tow truck driver, the suspect was able to free one of his hands from the handcuffs, then fled in the patrol car, striking a Singerly Fire Company engine as he left.

State troopers immediately gave chase. Less than five miles from the scene, he lost control of the patrol car and struck a tree on Rt. 896 off Rt. 40 in Glasgow, Delaware. Maryland troopers held him until Delaware counterparts arrived.

Jordan was unhurt, and no other vehicles are believed to have been struck.