Ellicott City, MD-Handcuffed shoplifting suspect drives Howard County police SUV to Baltimore

Ellicott City, MD-A man charged with stealing from a Walmart in Ellicott City managed to drive a Howard County Police SUV to Baltimore in handcuffs Sunday night before being caught again.

Jerome Rucker, 32, of Nottingham, faces felony charges in the theft of the police cruiser and about $3,000 in merchandise, as well as drug, escape, resisting arrest and other misdemeanor charges, according to police and court records.

Rucker was arrested after a foot chase about 10 p.m. at the Walmart at 3200 N. Ridge Road.

Rucker was handcuffed behind his back and belted into the backseat of a patrol SUV. While the officer was collecting evidence from the store, Rucker was able to manipulate the handcuffs from back to front, climb into the driver’s seat and drive off. Officers followed and apprehended him in Baltimore.

Rucker is being held without bond at the Howard County Detention Center.