DALLAS, Texas — A routine traffic stop turned into something out of a movie Saturday night — and a 37-year-old man is now in the hospital because of it.
Dallas Police pulled over Stacey Huffman for a traffic stop Saturday evening. Officers found enough to arrest him on the spot, charging him with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Huffman was handcuffed and placed in the back of a patrol car while officers handled the stop outside.
He Freed His Hand — Then Climbed Into the Driver’s Seat
That is when things went sideways.
According to police, Huffman managed to free his left hand while still cuffed. He then moved from the backseat into the driver’s seat and took control of the vehicle.
Officers outside the car realized what was happening and reacted fast.
One officer jumped into the backseat and deployed a Taser. It did not stop Huffman.
The officer then struck him in the head with his weapon. That did not stop him either.
He Rolled Out of a Moving Police Car
With the patrol unit still in motion, Huffman opened the door and rolled out onto the road.
Both Huffman and the officer who was inside the vehicle were transported to the hospital. The officer has since been released.
Huffman remains hospitalized as of this report.
Charges Are Coming Once He Recovers
Dallas Police confirmed that Huffman will be formally charged once he is discharged from the hospital.
He already faces the original charges from the traffic stop — possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm. Additional charges related to the stolen patrol unit are expected to follow.
An investigation into the full incident is ongoing.
This kind of escape attempt is rare — and the fact that it happened with a suspect already in handcuffs makes it even more unusual. Dallas Police have not yet commented on how Huffman was able to free his hand or whether any policy changes are being reviewed.
Have you ever seen or heard of something like this happening in your area? What do you think should happen to Huffman? Let us know in the comments.
