Stranded driver accused of trying to steal deputy’s patrol car on I-485

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Deputies have arrested a driver after he reportedly tried to steal the patrol car of a deputy who stopped to help him when his car ran out of gas on Interstate 485.

It happened Monday evening on the I-485 outer loop between Providence Road and Lawyers Road.

Authorities said the deputy was on his way home from an off-duty assignment when he noticed traffic building up because of a disabled vehicle. The deputy stopped to help the driver, 22-year-old JeJuan McCalston.

Officials said it appeared McCalston’s car was out of gas so the deputy called for backup to help with traffic while he tried to push the car out of the road.

After a brief conversation, McCalston then ran from his car, got into the deputy’s vehicle and tried to drive away, but couldn’t because of the transmission lock on the patrol car.

CMPD: Thief breaks into out-of-state captain's patrol car, steals police equipment CMPD: Thief breaks into out-of-state captain's patrol car, steals police equipment

The deputy was able to remove McCalston from the car and took him into custody.

McCalston was charged with felony attempted larceny and driving while impaired. He was issued an unsecured bond by a Mecklenburg County magistrate, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

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