DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Investigators in Volusia County said a man stole one of their cruisers and took it for a joy ride.
Surveillance video from a nearby business shows the blue and red lights of a Daytona Beach police cruiser flashing down A1A at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Less than a minute later, a police cruiser is shown following in pursuit.
Daytona Beach police said Eric Sirmans, 44, found his way inside one of their unlocked cruisers and drove away.
“This was just pretty much a crime of opportunity,” said Jimmie Flynt of the Daytona Beach Police Department.
Police said Sirmans got inside the unlocked cruiser while an officer left it running as he rushed out to help a fellow officer with a possible robbery suspect.
Someone told officers their car was gone.
Police spotted the cruiser and began following Sirmans for about four blocks before he pulled over and surrendered.
“I don’t think the guy had any malice when he stole the police car because once they stopped him he was apologetic about taking the car and all of that,” said Flynt.
Police arrested Sirmans on charges of grand theft, fleeing and violating his parole as Sirmans had just been booked into jail Monday on a drug charge.
Officers said there was also about $1,500 worth of damage to the cruiser.
Officials said that the department’s directive states officers must lock their cars when they are not inside of them, and that the officer in this case will be disciplined.
Cox Media Group
