Dallas Traffic Stop Turns Chaotic With Suspect’s Escape

A routine traffic stop in Dallas descended into chaos when a suspect, handcuffed in the back of a police cruiser, allegedly commandeered the vehicle and drove away with an officer inside, authorities report.

Video footage from body and dash cameras reveals the suspect’s escape and the ensuing dramatic events. The encounter began at 5:35 p.m. on May 30 when two officers initiated a traffic stop on South Marsalis Avenue.

The suspect, identified as Stacey Huffman, 37, was arrested and placed in the patrol car’s back seat, handcuffed.

“Dallas police say a handcuffed suspect stole a patrol car and drove off with an officer trapped inside before being taken back into custody.” – Dallas Police Department

Footage captured inside the cruiser appears to show Huffman slipping his left hand out of the handcuffs while concealing his hands behind his back. As officers began transporting him, he allegedly opened the locked rear door and removed his seatbelt.

Officers stopped on Interstate 35 around 6:10 p.m. to further restrain Huffman. However, as both officers exited the vehicle, Huffman allegedly seized the opportunity to climb into the driver’s seat and took off.

An officer quickly entered the back seat before the cruiser sped away and deployed his Taser, but Huffman reportedly removed the wires, making it ineffective. Despite the officer’s repeated demands to stop, Huffman allegedly continued to accelerate.

An altercation ensued, with the officer striking Huffman on the head as the vehicle swerved. While traveling at approximately 50 mph, Huffman reportedly opened the driver’s door and jumped out, leaving the vehicle in motion.

The patrol car traveled around 1,000 feet before the officer lunged into the front seat and regained control, preventing a crash. Both Huffman and the officer were hospitalized for treatment following the incident.

Charges against Huffman are expected to include driving with an invalid license, possession of a controlled substance and firearm, unauthorized vehicle use, and escape from custody. The case remains under investigation.