Sgt says he realized handcuffed suspect stole cruiser when he saw tail lights

[MikeG]

Okay, I found this funny just imagining the teasing the poor Sgt. is going to get. Everytime he parks his car, another officer will move it to a different location. How long does anyone think the neighboring departments will conduct traffic stops on the Sgt in his new squad car just to "make sure it's him." Do you think they gave him a day or two before teasing or did it start with the officer who came to pick him up? "Hey sarge, we just got a BOLO for a stolen police car. Have you seen it?"

Indiana officer tells AP he realized handcuffed suspect stole cruiser when he saw taillights - The Washington Post

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — An Indiana police officer whose squad car was stolen by a suspect he’d handcuffed and put in the backseat said Thursday he only realized the cruiser was gone when he looked up and saw the taillights leaving the parking lot.

“I probably had a really dumb look on my face for maybe half a second,” Kouts police Sgt. Dave Johnston told The Associated Press.

And helpful tip from citizen Bill and Ted: "Whoa. Dude, that guy just drove off in your car, man."

"umm, Dispatch, umm, well I'm in a foot pursuit of a suspected carjacker. last seen driving westbound. Vehicle is a late model, customized 4 door sedan with roof mounted lights and custom paint. oh forget it it. call the police. My car has been stolen. "

Johnston instead used his portable radio to report the escape and told the Porter County dispatcher to notify the police department in the direction the cruiser was headed.

William Francis Blankenship stole the car Tuesday and then used the police radio to ask where to find the car's cigarette lighter — and a key to unlock himself, police said.

Johnston said he’s “a little embarrassed” about the situation because he knows a lot of people will assume he did something wrong. But he said he has been cleared of any wrongdoing by Kouts Police Chief James Boyce.

And here's the look a chief gets when he clears a Sgt. of wrongdoing. Notice the benevolent and warm smile. He's just oozing "It's okay Sgt, give me a hug."