Cops chase cuffed escapee in big rig

AUSTIN (KXAN) - An escaped suspect who stole a big rig in Brenham made it through four counties before Austin police caught up with him early Thursday morning, police said.

Austin Police Sgt. Tina Schaan said the man, identified as Jonathan Robert Love, 22, escaped the custody of an officer in Washington County, then broke through a window of an 18-wheeler and drove off, still in handcuffs.

He drove some 90 miles before an Austin officer spotted the truck reported as stolen, police said.

"He would have had to go through some smaller cities -- Manor, Elgin perhaps," said Schaan. "It might have been a manpower issue. Surely they got the word that he was coming through, but I don't know what the manpower is."

After several officers joined the pursuit of the truck, the fugitive finally pulled over on RM 2222, also known as Allandale Road, near Shoal Creek Boulevard.  Officers said he was cooperative after that.

According to an official with the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Love was picked up at his father's house on a parole violation.

A deputy put him in patrol car, then went back to talk to the father, the official said. Meanwhile, a female friend opened the door of the patrol car and let Love out, the official said.

The suspect was handcuffed with his hands behind him. He was able to get his hands in front of him, jump a fence and get into a truck at Premier Metal Buyers.

It was not clear if keys were left inside or if the vehicle was left running.

Manor Police Department said Travis County issued a "be on the lookout" alert for the truck at 2:47 a.m. It was almost immediately spotted at State Highway 290 and Chimney Hill Road by Austin Police Department, officials said.

Love faces evading charges in Travis County. Once he is sent back to Washington County, he will face charges of evading, escape, unauthorized use of vehicle, and criminal mischief, the Washington County official said.

Austin police said this city's resources are instrumental in making these kinds of arrests.

"We have more officers on duty citywide," said Schaan. "In case like this, we also dispatched K-9 officers. Plus we have Air One up, the helicopter. We were fortunate enough that the gentleman did stop for the officers so we didn't have to utilize Air One, but it is a great resource for us to have because you're not going to lose this truck if you have a helicopter up in the air."

Love was taken to the Travis County Jail . Police did not immediately know what charges originally put him in Washington County custody.