Handcuffed Texas man steals Walton County deputy's car

DeFUNIAK SPRINGS — A vehicle fire on Interstate 10 led to an unusual chain of events Friday that included two stolen vehicles and a handcuffed suspect stealing a patrol car, according to the Walton County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff's deputies responded to the vehicle fire near U.S. Highway 331 about 9:50 a.m. following an accident. After the fire was extinguished, it was discovered the vehicle was stolen from DeFuniak Springs and was purposely set on fire following the crash, the Sheriff's Office reported.

Shortly after, a resident noticed a man trying to steal his Jeep on Bob Sikes Road. The resident detained the man at gunpoint until deputies arrived. The suspect, identified as Cody Dwayne Hynum, 30, of Highlands, Texas, was handcuffed and put in the back of a patrol car, according to the Sheriffs' Office. Following his arrest it was determined Hynum also had stolen a Ford pickup truck from a carport that was found disabled in the area, according to the Sheriff's Office.

While deputies were working both crime scenes, Hynum kicked out the rear driver's side window and, while still handcuffed, got out of the car and got in the driver's seat, the Sheriff's Office said. He then drove down Woodyard Road.

Hynum drove the patrol car into a fence, went down a home's driveway and struck a barrier at the end. He then ran into the woods before he was caught.

Hynum has been charged with escape, two counts of grand theft auto with damage more than $1,000, two counts of burglary, larceny over a $1,000, criminal mischief over $1,000, resisting arrest with violence and fleeing and eluding.

He was taken to a local hospital to be evaluated and was booked later into the Walton County Jail. Additional charges are possible, the sheriff's office said.