Police: DWI Suspect Steals Police Cruiser

HOLDERNESS, NH -- A New Hampshire man is in custody after authorities say he stole a police cruiser.

Holderness Police say it happened after officers arrested the man for drunk driving. They say the man had a hand malformation, so they put him in the back of the cruiser unrestrained...and the next thing they knew the car was gone.

"The only damage is the license plate and then some scuff marks along the front side bumper."

Car one is back where it belongs behind the Holderness Police Department. But, for about 10 minutes Tuesday night, police say it was stolen by an alleged drunk driver.

Police say just before midnight, 25-year-old James Russo from Laconia was arrested for DWI.

"Mr. Russo was placed in the rear of a cruiser unrestrained due to a malformation to his left arm, which made it impossible for him to be placed in handcuffs."

The arresting officer was out of the running cruiser following up with other people on the scene.

Police suspect the unrestrained Russo somehow slipped through the narrow window dividing the front and back seats and took off in the cruiser, shutting off the headlights, but leaving the police lights on top flashing.

Within minutes, 911 callers reported an abandoned cruiser in nearby Campton.

"We did locate the cruiser a short time later, not far from where it was taken. It was abandoned. and, at that time, we were assisted by several surrounding agencies, as well as state police."

The rifle kept locked up inside the cruiser was not touched.

James Russo was nowhere to be found.

Then on Wednesday afternoon, he turned himself in at Plymouth District Court.

"At this time, he's still facing a DWI charge, as well as an escape charge, and there will be other charges."

Police say other charges may include reckless conduct and criminal mischief.