Suspected car thief escapes from handcuffs

A suspected car thief landed behind bars Thursday night after allegedly assaulting a Columbia officer and escaping on foot.

James Broderick was first arrested after 9 p.m. Thursday. The victim claims Broderick stole his van outside the Phillips 66 gas station near the Lake of the Woods exit. But just a few hours later, the man saw his own vehicle again near Broadway and Old Highway 63.

Police found Broderick and took him into custody, but he managed to slip out of his handcuffs. He was eventually located downtown by Ash and Orr streets.

Broderick is also on parole, also for stealing cars.