A woman detained by police in Michigan, USA, pulled off a Houdini-like escape, slipping out of a patrol car and vanishing from custody in an incident captured on video that has since spread widely online. The escape took place in Muskegon County, authorities said.
Arrest during a routine check
During a routine check police officers from the Muskegon Heights Police Department approached a vehicle parked outside an abandoned business at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
Officers were initially unable to identify the woman, but a fingerprint scan confirmed her identity and revealed an active warrant for a parole violation. They arrested her at the scene, placed her in handcuffs, and seated her in the back of a patrol car. Officers then began searching the vehicle.
Escape caught on video
A bystander recorded what happened next. The footage shows the woman escaping while officers continue their investigation nearby.
She squeezes through a partially open rear window of the patrol car. Her hands remain cuffed as she slowly pushes herself out. She moves through the window headfirst, then lowers one foot to the ground, followed by the other.
@abc7la A woman escaped police custody after wiggling out of an open car window in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. The video shows the woman squeeze out a Muskegon Heights Police vehicle then run from the scene as officers searched a white pickup truck.
♬ original sound – ABC7LA – ABC7LA
She then runs from the scene and disappears around a corner. “They don’t even see her!” the bystander says in the recording. “Run, run, run!”
Search launched but suspect not found
Seconds later, officers return to the vehicle and realize the woman is gone. An officer checked the rear window and discovered the suspect had escaped. Police said they immediately began searching the area but were unable to find her.
Video shows patrol cars moving through nearby streets as officers try to locate the suspect. The person filming can be heard reacting, saying, “I don’t think they’re gonna find her.”
Break-in reported nearby
Later that evening, police received a report of a break-in at a nearby home. The incident was said to have occurred around 4:20 p.m., less than an hour after the escape. Authorities believe the same woman may be responsible and are investigating the events as connected.
Additional charges expected
The woman has not yet been located. Police said they are preparing additional warrants. The new charges may include fleeing a police officer, felony home invasion, escape, breaking, and larceny. Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact the police or report tips anonymously.
