Video Shows Handcuffed Suspect's Escape from Ill. Police Cruiser
A year after it happened, Illinois police released video footage that shows how an accused and handcuffed catalytic converter thief escaped from a cruiser, eluding authorities for months before he was captured.
The incident began just before 2 p.m. Sept. 1 after Elmhurst police had apprehended Devin Revels, 27 in connection with catalytic converter thefts in the village, WBBM-TV reports. Revels was handcuffed and placed in the back of a cruiser, and another unit was called in to provide a backup escort.
While being transported n the cruiser, Revels maneuvered himself so his handcuffed hands were in front of him, the footage from the vehicle's in-unit video system shows. Revels yelled to get out of the cruiser and began hitting the window.
The officer ordered Revels to stop, but the suspect began kicking the window instead. As the officer pulled over, Revels was finally able to smash the window and escape the vehicle.
Revels fled to a wooded area on a golf course, and police—including officers from Chicago—searched the course for hours but couldn't find the suspect. It wasn't until January that police finally caught up with Revels and arrested him in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood.
Revels faces charges stemming from catalytic converter thefts, as well as escaping from police custody. He is set to appear in court in September.
