A routine traffic stop became chaotic when a suspect, reportedly in handcuffs, overtook a Dallas police cruiser. The suspect drove off with an officer in the back seat before jumping out while the vehicle was still moving, according to authorities.
Body camera and dash camera footage, newly released, documented the series of events leading to the suspect’s escape and the subsequent dramatic developments.
Timeline of Events
The incident began around 5:35 p.m. on May 30. Officers stopped a vehicle in the 2300 block of South Marsalis Avenue. Stacey Huffman, 37, was arrested during this stop and placed in the back seat of a patrol car with handcuffs on.
Video footage inside the vehicle allegedly shows Huffman slipping his left hand out of the handcuffs and concealing his hands behind his back. As officers transported him to jail, Huffman reportedly tried opening the rear door and removed his seatbelt.
Attempted Restraint and Escape
The patrol car stopped on Interstate 35 around 6:10 p.m. so officers could restrain Huffman further. However, when both officers exited the vehicle, Huffman allegedly moved to the driver’s seat and drove away.
One officer managed to get into the back seat before the vehicle sped off. The officer used a Taser, which proved ineffective as Huffman removed the wires. Despite repeatedly shouting, “Stop the car!” Huffman allegedly kept accelerating.
The officer then drew his weapon and hit Huffman on the side of the head as the vehicle continued to move. Video footage depicts the officer tossed around the back seat while the patrol car swerved on the road.
Escape and Re-capture
Authorities report that Huffman opened the driver’s-side door at about 50 mph and jumped out of the moving vehicle. The patrol car traveled approximately 1,000 feet with Huffman at the wheel for about 30 seconds.
After Huffman exited, the officer quickly lunged into the front seat, regaining control of the vehicle and averting a crash. Huffman was subsequently rendered unconscious and recaptured. Both he and the officer were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Huffman faces multiple charges, including driving while license invalid, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and escape from custody. The incident continues under investigation.