In a shocking turn of events, a handcuffed suspect managed to steal a police car and lead officers on a high-speed chase, culminating in a fatal crash with a semi-truck. The incident, which occurred in Otero County, Colorado, on June 20th, has raised questions about security protocols and the suspect’s audacious escape.
31-year-old Anthony Alfonso Sanchez III was initially apprehended after causing multiple collisions, intentionally ramming his vehicle into others. Dashcam footage captures first responders pursuing Sanchez and forcing him to a stop. Bodycam video shows officers approaching Sanchez’s vehicle, cautiously placing him in handcuffs.
Police officers arresting a suspect
During a search of Sanchez’s vehicle, a loaded weapon was discovered, heightening the seriousness of the situation. Despite being handcuffed and placed in the back of a patrol car, Sanchez, seemingly distressed and emotional, managed to shift his handcuffs from behind his back to his front.
Capitalizing on a brief moment when officers were preoccupied, Sanchez slid into the driver’s seat of the police car and sped off. The stolen vehicle, equipped with a rifle left behind by the officers, became a major concern for law enforcement.
A police officer standing next to a police car
A frantic chase ensued, with Sanchez running a red light as officers pursued him. The chase escalated with Sanchez reaching dangerous speeds along the highway. Authorities strategically deployed stop sticks in an attempt to slow down the stolen vehicle. Sanchez, displaying daring driving skills, managed to evade two sets of stop sticks.
A semi-trailer truck is parked on the side of the road
However, the third attempt proved successful. The stop sticks brought Sanchez’s reckless drive to a halt as he collided head-on with a parked semi-truck. The impact caused the stolen police car to erupt in flames. Officers rushed to the scene, working to extinguish the fire and extract Sanchez from the wreckage.
Sanchez, severely injured in the crash, was transported to a local hospital. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. Fortunately, the semi-truck driver emerged from the incident unharmed.
This incident, marked by audacity and tragedy, has prompted a thorough investigation by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. The investigation aims to determine the circumstances surrounding Sanchez’s escape, evaluate existing security measures, and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
