Man escapes custody after stealing MHP patrol car during arrest

MENDENHALL, MS (WLBT) - The manhunt that began Wednesday morning after a man stole an MHP patrol car before stealing two more cars has been called off.

According to MHP, troopers conducted a traffic stop on Highway 49 in Simpson County. During the traffic stop, troopers learned he had warrants out of Warren County.

29-year-old Sean Patrick Sharp was taken into custody. While in handcuffs, Sharp managed to steal an MHP patrol car, leading to a chase.

“I don’t know if they were off or he just positioned his hands where he could get his hands in front of him," said Cpl. Kervin Stewart. “But either way, he was able to manipulate himself in a way he could get control of the vehicle.”

Cpl. Kervin Stewart with MHP released a photo of Sharp that was taken by the trooper’s dash cam following the traffic stop.

According to MHP, Sharp made it to a home and stole a Jeep C17, sparking a manhunt in the area of MS-13 and MS-149 in Mendenhall.

He then drove that vehicle to his brother’s home off Highway 13 in Mendenhall and disappeared into a wooded area.

The manhunt for Sharp was held throughout the morning. Authorities searched on the ground and in the air, but could not locate him.

A short time later, Sharp stole a 2007 black Honda Accord taken from his brother’s shop off Highway 49. The manhunt has been called off for now because the suspect is not believed to be in the area.

He was last seen driving east on Highway 540.

It’s not clear if he got out of the cuffs or was driving with them on when he stole the MHP vehicle and the other cars.

He still remains at large and it’s possible he could be armed. Authorities believe he could come back to his brother’s home in Mendenhall.

He’s facing multiple charges.

This is a developing story.

Copyright 2018 WLBT. All rights reserved.