Dallas police have shared alarming details regarding a recent incident. A video shows a suspect managing to free himself from handcuffs while in the back seat of a police cruiser, moving to the driver’s seat, and then speeding away. A police officer tries to intervene as the situation escalates.
On May 30, the event unfolded near Interstate 35 and Illinois Avenue, according to police reports.
Officers Ibrahim Kante and Kenneth Harper initiated a traffic stop due to a registration issue in the 2300 block of South Marsalis Street.
The ensuing actions led to the arrest of 37-year-old Stacey Huffman, who faced charges including driving with an invalid license, possession of a controlled substance, and illegal firearm possession.
After cuffing Huffman with his hands behind his back, Officer Kante placed him in the back of the patrol vehicle while officers continued their investigation.
However, Huffman managed to slip one hand out of the cuffs without the officers noticing.
As the officers drove away, he attempted to unlock the rear door and unbuckle his seatbelt.
One of the officers shouted, “What are you doing?” as they exited the vehicle to secure Huffman at around 6:10 p.m. on I-35 northbound near Illinois Avenue, police reported.
Yet, in the moment both officers were outside the cruiser, Huffman quickly took control of the driver’s seat and sped off.
Officer Harper jumped back into the cruiser, while Officer Kante remained outside. When Officer Harper deployed a Taser, it failed to make contact as Huffman managed to pull the wires away.
In a tense moment, Officer Harper drew his service weapon and struck Huffman in the head as Huffman accelerated.
Despite the officer’s efforts, Huffman continued to drive recklessly, causing Officer Harper to be thrown around in the back seat.
“Stop the car!” Officer Harper yelled, clearly alarmed.
Huffman drove for about 1,000 feet, reaching speeds of approximately 50 mph, before throwing open the driver’s side door and exiting the patrol car.
Video footage captures a near collision with a parked vehicle, but Officer Harper regained control in time to avoid it.
Authorities reported that Huffman lost consciousness during the chaotic event and was subsequently taken into custody.
Both Huffman and Officer Harper were transported to a local hospital for treatment, with Officer Harper being released soon after. However, Huffman remained in the hospital, police stated.
Upon his discharge, Huffman is set to face charges for the initial traffic stop offense, along with unauthorized use of a vehicle and fleeing custody.
The Dallas Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit is currently looking into the case, while the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office and the Community Police Oversight Office have been informed.
This investigation is ongoing, and authorities noted that details may evolve as further evidence and forensic analysis are reviewed.
