Police officers in Texas have released a video showing an arrested woman shaking off her handcuffs and stealing a police cruiser in an attempt to escape from police. She was arrested for shoplifting at an Ulta store. Once inside the cruiser, police officers investigated her belongings. As they were preoccupied, the woman removed her seat belt. She then slipped out of her cuffs and crawled through the open 12-inch hole in the partition between the back and front seats. Once in the front of the SUV, she was able to steal the vehicle. She now faces charges of escape causing serious bodily injury, aggravated assault against a public servant, evading arrest with a vehicle, unauthorized use of a vehicle and possession of a controlled substance.
Footage from officer body cams as well as dashcams show a frenzied chase and several attempts to stop the woman. She dodges spikes strips, weaves across several lanes and manages to lead police for over 20 minutes before spinning out, leading to her capture.
Evading Arrest in Texas
Under Texas statute, the crime of evading arrest is intentionally fleeing from a person that you know is a peace officer or federal special investigator attempting to lawfully arrest or detain you. Evading arrest is a Class A misdemeanor. However, if someone uses a vehicle or watercraft to try and flee police, the crime becomes a state jail felony. The maximum punishment for a state jail felony in Texas is 180 days to 2 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
If you are accused of a state jail felony, speak to a criminal defense attorney.
Mike GoolsbyA veteran in both civil court cases and criminal defense, Mike Goolsby is a respected lawyer with more than 16 years of experience practicing law. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of North Texas in 1990, followed by his J.D. from the prestigious Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1994. After earning his law degree, Mr. Goolsby worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. As a trial lawyer, he was able to gain exceptional access to the criminal court system in this major metropolitan area, giving him immeasurable, distinct experience that helped him build a solid foundation for his own private legal practice. Mr. Goolsby went on to practice civil law for Maverick Acceptance Group, a venture capital company. Here, he gained invaluable knowledge of the civil side of the law, adding to his already diverse portfolio of legal expertise. In 1999, he opened the doors of The Goolsby Law Firm and has been successfully serving the residents of North Texas ever since. As an attorney, Mr. Goolsby combines his experience in both the civil and criminal fields to offer unmatched legal representation to his clients. With a long list of satisfied clients, Mr. Goolsby continues to build his practice through fair and aggressive legal defense.