Stolen unmarked MPD squad located in Mississippi County, Missouri

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee police say an unmarked squad car, stolen on Monday, July 31st was recovered in Mississippi County, Missouri. The suspect was taken to a hospital in Sikeston, MO with minor injuries.

FOX6 News obtained video showing the squad being towed near Cape Girardeau.

Police said a 52-year-old Milwaukee man, wanted in connection with several crimes in the Milwaukee area, was taken into custody following a pursuit through Illinois, where he hit a few semis along the way.

The vehicle was taken between 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Monday from the area of 7th and Galena.

According to officials, other than a squad radio, there was no police equipment of significance in the vehicle.

Stolen MPD squad involved in wreck in Missouri (Credit: KFVS 12)

Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn spoke about the theft and said a detective dropped the keys while carrying an armful of files, and he doesn't think the suspect was targeting a police vehicle.

"It sounds opportunistic, given the fact he was walking down the street and probably saw some keys on the street and I guess it was a happy surprise to him. Anybody who's ever gone into their house with an armful of groceries or anything knows how this can happen and the detective was going into the MPD center with an armful of files and apparently dropped her keys and didn't realize it," Chief Flynn said.

An investigation is ongoing -- and charges will be presented to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office in the coming days.

Stolen MPD squad involved in wreck in Missouri (Credit: KFVS 12)

 

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.