May 19, 2013
A Fort Walton Beach woman is in custody after stealing a deputy's 1999 unmarked car and running from officers during a routine traffic stop.
Twenty-four year old Jessa Lyn Mae Harness of Fort Walton Beach was arrested after a brief chase.
An investigator became suspicious of Harness after stopping her for careless driving.
Harness failed to provide driver's license information or other proper identification. When Harness gave false information about her identity, the investigator placed her under arrest.
While the officer was interviewing a passenger in Harness' car, Harness freed herself and tried to get away in the patrol car.
Harness was caught about an hour later, after she lost control of the police cruiser and struck a curb while trying to make a u-turn.
Harness will be charged with grand theft auto, reckless driving and aggravated fleeing and eluding. Additional charges are pending.
