Man allegedly steals police cruiser in Madisonville

MADISONVILLE, Ky. – One man is behind bars after allegedly stealing a police cruiser in Madisonville.

According to a uniform citation, the Madisonville Police Department was responding to what was believed to be a burglary in progress near a public library off of East Center Street.

The citation states one officer exited his police cruiser and walked around some nearby storage containers. A short time later, police say the officer “heard the vehicle’s door shut.”

According to the citation, the officer then observed an unidentified male take the vehicle and speed down East Center Street.

Authorities say they were immediately notified and found the vehicle a few moments later on Madison Square Drive.

Police say the driver, identified as 36-year-old Matthew Alexander of Earlington, stopped for a brief moment before taking off again.

Authorities say Alexander stopped the vehicle again around 50 yards away.

Upon contact, authorities say Alexander put his hands in the air but then began to resist arrest while on the ground.

Alexander was taken into custody. Authorities say he was then transported to Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville for a blood draw.

Authorities say Alexander stated he had a “zip-tie” on one of the storage units at the library and had illegally entered it when the officer was exiting his vehicle.

Alexander further stated he exited the unit before pulling the unlocked cruiser’s handle and taking off. He additionally stated he was “under the influence of marijuana and methamphetamine,” authorities say.

Alexander is charged with third-degree burglary, theft by unlawful taking or disposition auto between $10,000 and $100,000, resisting arrest and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a substance, first offense.