Man in Deer Park took off in cruiser while being questioned, police say

DEER PARK, Long Island (WABC) -- Police were questioning a man on Long Island when they said he suddenly jumped into their cruiser and drove off, sparking a large search for the suspect.

According to the Suffolk County Police Department, officers pulled over to talk to a man on Tell and Washington avenues in Deer Park at around 12:20 a.m. Friday.

The man has gang ties and police were set to arrest him.

While they were talking to him, police said the man suddenly jumped into their grey unmarked Ford Crown Victoria police cruiser and sped off.

Police chased the stolen cruiser and found it abandoned about three blocks away. A loaded gun

Suffolk police searched the area with officers, K-9 dogs and a chopper, but did not find the suspect.

However, Suffolk Police know the identity of the man and are looking for him.