Handcuffed man who stole police car caught

EDWARDSVILLE -- An Illinois man who managed to steal a police vehicle while handcuffed before leading authorities on a chase into Missouri is charged with four felonies.

Authorities captured 20-year-old Derek Union of Alton on Thursday in St. Louis, a day after the chase.

Madison County prosecutors have charged him with aggravated possession of a stolen vehicle, two counts of criminal property damage and escape.

Authorities say Union initially was arrested Wednesday in Alton on suspicion of involvement in an auto theft ring. Union apparently was handcuffed in the back of an unmarked vehicle when he drove off in the police vehicle after the officer walked away briefly.

Police chased Union into Missouri, where they found the vehicle abandoned in St. Louis County.