BLAINE COUNTY—In a shocking and highly unusual incident, the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has confirmed the theft of one of their patrol vehicles. The vehicle, reportedly stolen from the parking lot of Sandy Shores Medical Center, was last seen speeding southbound on Route 13. Authorities are actively searching for both the stolen vehicle and the unidentified suspect.
According to scanner traffic, the suspect managed to seize the marked police cruiser from the hospital parking lot around mid-morning. Eyewitnesses described a scene of confusion as officers initially attempted to pursue the vehicle, but the suspect’s erratic and high-speed driving forced them to lose sight of it shortly after it entered Route 13.
“This kind of incident is rare and deeply concerning,” said a spokesperson for the BCSO. “Our top priority is recovering the vehicle and ensuring public safety.”
The stolen vehicle, equipped with emergency lights, sirens, and other law enforcement tools, poses significant risks. Authorities warn that the suspect could potentially impersonate law enforcement or use the vehicle’s features to evade capture. Residents are urged to be cautious and report any suspicious activity involving police vehicles in unexpected locations.
The BCSO has not disclosed whether the vehicle was taken during an active situation or left unattended, though they have stressed the importance of securing police assets to prevent incidents like this. It remains unclear if the theft was a premeditated act or a crime of opportunity.
Law enforcement agencies across the county have been notified to be on the lookout for the stolen cruiser. Officers are monitoring major highways, side roads, and possible escape routes. The BCSO has not confirmed whether air support or additional resources, such as spike strips or roadblocks, will be deployed.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid engaging with the suspect if the vehicle is spotted and instead to contact 911 immediately with details such as location and direction of travel.
The theft of a police vehicle has left residents in Blaine County both shocked and concerned. “It’s crazy to think someone could just take off with a police car,” said one local resident. “It makes you wonder how it even happened.”
This incident adds to the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in the region, and it raises questions about departmental procedures and asset security.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
