Woman Slips Out of Handcuffs, Steals Police Car: Police

Police gave chase to one of their own police vehicles overnight after a woman broke out of her handcuffs and led police on a 5.5-mile chase in a police cruiser.

The incident began after Lindenwold Police Department officers responded to a domestic violence call on the 2100 block of S. Brighton Avenue around 1:10 a.m. Wednesday.

The officers were met by resident Danyl Fontanez 35, who told officers that there was no longer a problem. According to Lindenwold Police, Officer Nicholas Grungo explained that he still needed to investigate and the woman became uncooperative.

A short struggle ensued between Fontanez and the officer. With the help of fellow officer Sgt. Kenneth Balmer, Officer Grungo was able to get Fontanez in handcuffs and into the backseat of his patrol car.

While the officers completed the original domestic violence investigation, Fontanez allegedly slipped out of her cuffs, kicked out the center partition window and climbed into the front seat of the police car, according to investigators.

Investigators say Fontanez then drove off as Sgt. Balmer and other units gave chase. Fernandez turned onto the White Horse Pike and sped off towards Stratford, police said.

After a five-minute chase, officers caught up to the cruiser around Bayberry Court and Evesham Road in Cherry Hill -- that’s about a 5.5-mile drive away.

Another struggle ensued as officers attempted to subdue Fontanez. During the struggle she was cut on the chin, according to police.

Officers eventually arrested the alleged joyrider and took her to a nearby hospital for treatment. She remained in police custody while being treated as she awaited likely charges.

No damage was done to the patrol car.

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