It is uncommon for suspects to slip their handcuffs in an attempt to escape. What is even more uncommon is a suspect slipping handcuffs and taking control of a police vehicle in a bid to escape.
That is what happened in Dallas, Texas, where one officer was locked outside the car, while the other moved to the backseat to overpower the suspect, but could not prevent him from jumping to the driver’s seat.
The suspect managed to drive dangerously for a few meters before jumping off unexpectedly.
As for the officer who tased the suspect from the back seat, he was left inside the police car that was headed toward another vehicle.
Video Highlights How The Situation Turned Ugly in Seconds
The video of the incident being circulated on social media highlights the series of events that played out, leading to the suspect jumping straight to the driver’s seat in the police car.
According to a report by FOX 4, the incident occurred at around 5:35 p.m. after Dallas police arrested 37-year-old Stacey Huffman during a traffic stop for driving with an invalid license, possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
While the police car he was seated in began its journey toward jail with two officers inside, Huffman managed to free his left hand from the handcuffs and concealed them from the officers until he thought it was the right time to escape.
During the drive, Huffman removed his seat belt and tried to open the rear door in a bid to flee. However, the door was locked. Realizing what was happening, the officers pulled over immediately near Illinois Avenue on northbound I-35 to take control of the situation.
However, Huffman was quick to shift to the driver’s seat and set off, fending off one officer who tried to fight him at the driver’s side door. The officer who went to restrain Huffman managed to jump onto the rear seat and tase him.
That caused a violent reaction, as the police car swerved uncontrollably with Huffman at the wheel in pain, before he jumped out of the vehicle, leaving the officer in the rear seat in a moving police car.
The ordeal did not end there. The police car continued driving toward another car parked by the road. Fortunately, the officer managed to grab the steering wheel and swerve in the opposite direction at the last moment.
He then stopped the car in the middle of the road using his hands, as the upper part of his body was on the front seat, while his legs were outstretched on the rear seat.
The officer is reported to have sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital. Huffman, who was unconscious after jumping out of the police car, was also taken to the hospital.
Later, he was charged with two additional offenses of unauthorized use of a vehicle and escape from custody.
Incident Raises Several Questions
The biggest question that comes to mind is how Huffman freed himself so easily. Was it a lock problem, or was he simply skilled at slipping handcuffs?
In addition, both officers leaving the car while the suspect was no longer fully restrained was a significant lapse. At least one officer should have stayed in the front seat to prevent the suspect from taking control of the vehicle.
Lastly, Huffman was extremely quick with his reactions as he managed to get the car going up to 50 mph in no time despite being tased. The question is whether the officers could have been better prepared for such an eventuality.
It is also worth mentioning that police cars have a partition between the front and rear seats to prevent such incidents. However, on this particular police car that Huffman was being taken in, there was no safety barrier, and the reason for that is not known.
Caught on Camera: Dallas Suspect Slips Handcuffs, Drives Off in Squad Car With Officer Locked Inside
Dallas police officers stopped 37-year-old Stacey Huffman on May 30 near South Marsalis Avenue for a registration violation and arrested him on three charges, including illegal… pic.twitter.com/eUm5gV3iOr
— TWT UNLEASHED (@TWT_UNLEASHED) June 6, 2026