DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Body camera video was released of an officer chasing down a man in a stolen Daytona Beach police cruiser.
Investigators said Eric Sirmans jumped into the unlocked cruiser last week and drove on North Atlantic Avenue.
Police said it started off as a call for a possible robbery.
“Yeah, we just got flagged down by a somebody who said some black guy in flip flops just jumped in a police car and drove away,” an officer said in the video.
Operator: OK, all units BOLO for a marked police car north bound on Atlantic.”
The officer follows the car for four blocks before it pulls over.
The video shows the officer shouting at Sirmans to get out of the car.
“Get out of the car! Put your hands up! Put your hands up!” yelled the officer.
Police said Sirmans apologized for taking the cruiser.
Officer said Sirmans caused $1,500 worth of damage to the cruiser.
Officers charged him with grand theft and eluding. He was booked into the Volusia County Jail.
The department's directive says officers must lock their cars when they are not in them.
Daytona Beach police said the officer would be disciplined for not following the policy.
Cox Media Group
