Police: Washington man escaped while handcuffed

[October 11, 2010]  LONGVIEW, Wash. (AP) -- A 26-year-old Washington state man managed to escaped from a Department of Corrections car while handcuffed.

Police aren't just looking for him. They also want him to be charged with stealing the handcuffs.

The Daily News of Longview reports that Eric Mitchell Lair was arrested Oct. 1 on a felony warrant. He was handcuffed behind his back, but still was able to open the door of the car that was taking him to Cowlitz County jail and run off.

Officers from several agencies searched the area but couldn't find him, and a judge issued a warrant Thursday for his arrest on suspicion of first-degree escape.

Police say the handcuffs are valued at $29, and stealing them would constitute third-degree theft.

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Information from: The Daily News, http://www.tdn.com/

[Associated Press]

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