Police SUV Stolen By Nottingham Man In Howard County: Officials

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — A Nottingham man is being held without bail after police allege he stole a patrol SUV in Howard County.

Jerome Cecil Rucker, 32, of the unit block of Haven Court in Nottingham, was suspected of shoplifting $3,000 of merchandise from the Ellicott City Walmart. After being arrested, police said he stole the patrol vehicle and drove to another jurisdiction.

At 10:09 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, authorities said an officer was dispatched to a call about theft in progress at the Walmart on North Ridge Road in Ellicott City and upon arrival, saw Rucker with the items. The officer took Rucker into custody after a brief foot chase, according to police.

After cuffing the man's hands behind his back and buckling him into the vehicle, police said the officer went into the store to get evidence.

At that point, police allege Rucker maneuvered his handcuffs from behind him to in front of him; he climbed into the driver’s seat; and he drove off.

Individuals "especially of a smaller stature" are sometimes able to manipulate the position of handcuffs, Howard County police spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn told WBAL Radio. "It's not as uncommon as people might think."

Authorities reportedly used GPS tracking on the police car to locate it.

The vehicle was intercepted in Baltimore, where Rucker was apprehended.

Rucker was charged with nine offenses:

• Unlawful taking of a motor vehicle
• Unauthorized removal of a motor vehicle
• Theft from $1,500 to $25,000
• Two counts of possession of drugs other than marijuana
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Resisting/interfering with arrest
• Failure to obey a reasonable and lawful order
• Second-degree escape

He also faces multiple traffic violations, including driving on a suspended license, according to court records.

Rucker is being held without bail and is slated to appear in Howard County District Court July 19.