Arrested drunk attempts getaway in squad car

Police say a man arrested for driving drunk and reckless endangerment in Nanyang, Henan Province maneuvered his way from the back seat of a squad car and attempted to escape on August 23.

Traffic police arrested the 29-year old suspect surnamed Xie around 10 pm after he crashed into a parked car, knocked down a tree and rammed into a moving vehicle while driving against traffic on Wolong Lu, reports the Zhengzhou-based Dahe Daily on August 26.

After Xie was put in a police car, traffic officers inspected the scene of the accident. Seizing the opportunity, Xie climbed into the driver's seat and stepped on the gas.

However, he did not make it very far; Xie drove 500 meters before being cut off by the two arresting officers following in a taxi.

Xie later told police he had mistaken the patrol car for his own. Xie failed a breathalyzer test.

A Nanyang Traffic Police spokesman surnamed Xiao explained both officers had been distracted by conflicts among the accident victims and had left the keys inside the squad car to operate the police lights and siren.

Xiao also said the two officers were formally reprimanded and required to submit a written review. No injuries from the accident were reported.