New Haven, Conn./WTIC Radio - In New Haven, a man is facing charges after police say he attempted to steal a police cruiser Sunday night.
An officer was in the passenger seat writing a report just after 10:30 p.m. when investigators say Stacey Footman, 49, allegedly approached the vehicle outside the Hill South district substation.
The suspect ordered the policeman out of the vehicle, then entered when the officer unlocked the door to exit, police said.
The car wound up speeding away with Footman driving until the officer grabbed the wheel and the vehicle crashed into a church on Congress Street.
The officer was treated for minor injuries.
Footman remains hospitalized under guard.
He's facing a host of charges including kidnapping, assault on an officer, and larceny.
Police say Footman was in possession of a small glass pipe.
New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson said “this is yet another example of the inherent risks that police officers face daily and even when sitting in a cruiser you are marked for violence due to your job. To have a dangerous individual attempt to kidnap an officer and steal a marked police car is outrageous."
Footman's bond is $500,000.
