Police: Man steals NYPD cruiser during Manhattan traffic stop
UPPER WEST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) -- Authorities say a man is in custody after he stole an NYPD cruiser while two officers were conducting a Manhattan traffic stop overnight.
Police say 26-year-old Joseph Pinkcett jumped into the vehicle when the the officers left it running during the stop at Amsterdam Avenue and West 74th Street on the Upper West Side just before 1:30 a.m. Thursday.
Pinkcett allegedly drove off north on Amsterdam Avenue, and the officers called for help.
Other officers located the vehicle still driving north on Amsterdam Avenue, around West 135th Street.
He was believed to have been on drugs at the time and was taken to an area hospital for observation.
He is charged with grand larceny, reckless endangerment, unauthorized use of a vehicle, possession of stolen property, driving while intoxicated and driving while ability impaired by drugs.
