Cape Coral, Fla.- The Cape Coral Police is conducting an internal review after a suspect managed to escape police custody and led authorities on a chase in a stolen volunteer police car.
David Fernandes is facing 15 charges in connection to the incident. According to an arrest report, Fernandes kicked out a rear passenger window of a police car while handcuffed. He then stole a volunteer officer's marked car and led police on a chase that ended when he crashed into a cement pole.
"The volunteer actually attempted to stop the suspect and while we're appreciative of that volunteers efforts we don't want them to put themselves in harms way," said Detective Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police.
According to a 10-page arrest report, Fernandes was initially arrested for driving with a suspended license after being involved in a crash. The report states he took off while officers were investigating the crash scene.
"This is very out of the norm. We have to stop and see what happened?" said Det. Sgt. Coston.
An internal review is now underway to determine if all procedures were followed, and if so, Det. Sgt. Coston says the department will look at if new procedures need to be implemented.
"Was it a question of a problem with what the officer did; did the officer fail to do something? was it question of our policy not being correct, and do we need to make a change to our policy," said Det. Sgt. Coston.
Cell phone video obtained by Fox 4 showed the fiery ending to the chase.
Police believe Fernandez wanted to harm himself. In the incident report it states he told EMS workers he had suicidal thoughts and wanted to kill himself. The report also states he admitted to drinking before the incident.
"It's absolutely taking a small situation and making incredibly bad decisions," said Det. Sgt. Coston.
Fernandes now faces 15 charges. He is being held on a more than $60,000 bond.
