Burglary suspect drives away in police cruiser

A joyride in a police cruiser left Leah Williams, 40, in more trouble than she was initially facing.

Pueblo police arrested Williams Tuesday at about 5:46 p.m. in the 1300 block of Joplin Avenue after police received a call that someone was stealing copper from a home. She was placed in the back of a cruiser.

While police were trying to make contact with a homeowner in the area, officers saw Williams drive away in a marked 2008 Ford Crown Victoria belonging to the police department. According to Williams’ arrest affidavit, she slipped her handcuffs to the front of her body and slipped through the window between the back seat and front seat. Police said the window was closed and Williams forced it open.

Police were able to track down the cruiser through GPS coordinates to Monument Avenue and E. 16 St. Williams attempted to run away from officers before she was taken into custody.

Police said the backpack she was carrying contained a pair of bolt cutters.

Williams faces charges for second-degree burglary, possession of burglary tools, first-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft, escape, resisting arrest and false reporting.