Handcuffed man escapes from Manatee deputy's cruiser

BRADENTON (FOX 13) - Manatee County deputies are searching for a man who escaped from a patrol car.

The incident happened Saturday evening following a vehicle crash where a driver and passenger fled the scene. Deputies said they were able to locate the suspects on 5th Street Court East.

The passenger, 34-year-old Joel Canchola, had a warrant for violation of probation for possessing a controlled substance and resisting arrest.

Canchola was handcuffed and put in the back of a deputy's patrol car. Shortly after, the deputies discovered that Canchola had escaped from the patrol car.

He is described as a Hispanic male who is five feet, four inches tall and weighs 140 lbs. He was wearing a brown tank top, white and plaid shorts and no shoes.

Anyone with information on Canchola's whereabouts it asked to contact the Manatee County Sheriff's Office or Crimestoppers.