Butte County Sheriff's Department Launches Investigation After Patrol Car Stolen With Keys Inside
OROVILLE (CBS13) — The Butte County Sheriff's Department has launched an internal investigation after an inmate recently released from jail allegedly stole a patrol car with the keys in the ignition.
The suspect led deputies on a chase from Oroville to Live Oak before he was caught.
Omar Cazares allegedly used a rock to shatter the on-duty deputy's window, then started it up and sped away with guns and ammo inside.
Deputies eventually deployed a spike strip to end the 30-mile pursuit.
The chase was Cazares' second brush with the law in one day. Earlier, he was taken into custody for public intoxication.
He's now facing some serious charges including felony evading police and felony possession of ammunition.
The sheriff's department says only K-9 vehicles should have keys in the ignition to keep temperatures inside safe for the dogs.
