Knox man suspected of stealing cop cruiser charged

KNOX, Ind. – A judge entered a not guilty plea for a man accused of taking off with a police cruiser while he was still handcuffed.

Twenty-two-year-old William Blankenship of Knox is charged with auto theft, escape, fleeing law enforcement and criminal mischief.

Last week, Kouts police say they pulled Blakenship over, then found drugs in his car. They stuffed and cuffed him. 

While they were checking out his car, Blakenship somehow took off with theirs. Police say he even radioed in and asked for the handcuff key.

The town's only police car was found in a ditch in La Porte County.

Blakenship's bail is set for $25,000.