Man accused of stealing patrol car pleads not guilty

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR – The man accused of stealing a patrol car at Baptist Springhill Hospital and using it to ram a security officer pleaded not guilty in district court Thursday.

Police say they responded to the hospital on Sunday to help security with 47-year-old Tyrone Swift, who they say was being combative. Police handcuffed Smith and put him in the back of a patrol car. According to the report, Swift was able to get his hands in front of him, get out of the rear of the patrol car, and get into the front seat.

That is when, according to police, Swift drove forward, hitting a security guard and an ambulance.

Swift is charged with 1st degree battery, aggravated assault, escape, 1st degree criminal mischief, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct. The judge also ruled that Swift was to have his blood drawn to test of HIV/AIDS because he was spitting on officers while being detained.

Police say they don’t know how Swift was able to get out of the car.