SEATTLE - Seattle police recaptured a handcuffed burglary suspect after he climbed into the front seat of a patrol car and drove away early Thursday morning.
The incident began just before 2 a.m. when officers from the city's South Precinct responded to a burglary call at the Wing Luke Elementary School in the 3700 block of South Kenyon Street.
When officers arrived they found the 33-year-old suspect who was then arrested, handcuffed and placed in the back seat of a patrol car.
Police spokeswoman Renee Witt says the suspect had been cuffed behind his back. She says he managed to maneuver his hands in front of him and then slide through a partition to the front seat of the car while the officer was away for a minute.
The car was abandoned a short distance away. Police searched with dogs and a helicopter for some four hours before recapturing him.
Witt says the suspect lived in the neighborhood and officers found him again near his home about 6 a.m. still wearing the handcuffs.
The patrol car was not damaged and no guns or other equipment were taken.
