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PD: Man tries to escape in Chandler police car after hit and run accident

Posted at 1:41 PM, Nov 18, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-18 15:41:01-05

A man tries to steal a Chandler police car after being involved in a hit and run car accident.

According to court records, a man got into a collision while driving a stolen truck on November 13, then attempted to flee by taking a Chandler police unit.

Police say 27-year-old Joel Mercado Navarro stole the truck from a home near Alma School and Elliot Roads before getting into the crash roughly six miles away. While fleeing the scene of the crash, Navarro jumped into several neighborhood backyards, and even stole a bicycle from a garage while being pursued by police.

At one point, police say, Navarro entered a police SUV and tried to drive away in it, but was stopped by police. He attempted to jump into one more backyard before police apprehended him.

Police report that they found the stolen keys to the pickup truck in Navarro's pocket.

Navarro has been charged with multiple crimes including burglary, car theft, and criminal trespassing.