DC man steals police car, crashes after low-speed chase

The light bar of a D.C. police cruiser flashes at a crime scene in this January 2015 file photo. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)

WASHINGTON — A D.C. man stole a police cruiser early Wednesday morning and then led police on a chase near Pennsylvania Avenue in Southeast, authorities said.

Keith Edwards, 38, of Northeast D.C., drove off in a police car after officers went into a nearby convenience store around 1 a.m. Wednesday, police said.

The officers said they saw him drive off and began to give chase. Police said Edwards ran several red lights as he drove away. As another officer in a police vehicle attempted to stop him, Edwards crashed into their vehicle. He then attempted to run away on foot, but was arrested shortly afterward according to police.

Edwards has been charged with first-degree theft, unauthorized use of a vehicle, felony assault on a police officer, reckless driving and driving without a permit.

Below is the area where the police car was stolen.

Zeke Hartner

Zeke Hartner is a digital writer/editor who has been with WTOP since 2017. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University’s Political Science program and an avid news junkie.

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