By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
In a scene that’s almost too bizarre to believe, a 47‑year‑old woman handcuffed at the scene of a roadside stop allegedly managed to maneuver herself into the driver’s seat of a patrol vehicle and drove off, prompting a pursuit through parts of the Wiregrass region that left officers stunned.
Authorities say Angela Nicole Sizemore was initially stopped and arrested on a theft charge during a traffic investigation, where deputies secured her in handcuffs and placed her in the back of a marked patrol vehicle. At some point while officers were engaged nearby, Sizemore allegedly managed to free herself and enter the driver’s seat of the cruiser, which was still running and unattended. She then drove the vehicle away, leading multiple law enforcement units on a chase that involved erratic driving before multiple police officers performed what is known as a “pot maneuver” at railroad tracks in Enterprise. The vehicle sustained damage during the incident, and she was tased before ultimately being taken back into custody. The officers had to drive her back to Level Plains from Enterprise.
Law enforcement officials have not publicly detailed how Sizemore managed to exit the rear compartment and operate the patrol vehicle while restrained, but the incident is under internal review. No injuries were immediately reported related to the pursuit, and the agency has described the event as highly unusual and concerning.
Investigators also noted that Sizemore had been arrested initially on a theft charge when officers encountered her vehicle and approached it for investigation.
Sizemore reportedly now faces several criminal charges tied to the incident, including:
- Attempting to Elude
- Obstructing Governmental Operations
- Resisting Arrest
- Theft of a Motor Vehicle
- Criminal Mischief 1st (Over $2,500)
- Unauthorized use of Vehicle
- Reckless Endangerment
- Fugitive From
Sizemore is now in the Dale County Jail as of the time of this reporting. Level Plains authorities have encouraged anyone with information or video footage of the incident to come forward as the case proceeds through the courts.
It is the general policy of the Dale County Chronicle to include the following statement on all news reports involving an arrest or allegations of criminal activity: In our criminal justice system, all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
