MORE: Crime spree started at Target, ended with stolen police car
Gilbert stopped a white van that was suspected in a shoplifting on Feb. 25. The female driver remained in the vehicle, but the passenger, later identified as Kevin Gabbard, fled.
Gilbert chased Gabbard around a house before the suspect doubled back, jumped in the police cruiser and took off, according to police.
Fruchey said backup “was coming but it was a ways away. He had no idea things were going south.”
The incident will be used as a training opportunity, according to the police chief.
“A lot of times when things are going fast, you can slow it down. Given what Roger was faced with, I don’t really see what he could have done any different,” Fruchey said.
He said the only times an officer is required to secure a police vehicle is when they are heading into a structure or if a suspect is cornered.
“You never know if you have to get back into it for cover,” Fruchey said.
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