Man accused of stealing police car granted bond

Russell McGruder held at TGK on $40,000 bond

MIAMI ā€“ A 34-year-old man accused of stealing a Miami-Dade police car was granted bond Tuesday.

Judge Mindy Glazer ordered Russell McGruder to remain in jail in lieu of $40,000 bond.

Miami-Dade police said McGruder stole a police cruiser that was running outside a Miami hotel Monday, as officers on dignitary detail were waiting to escort U.S. Housing Secretary Julian Castro to a breakfast event.

Police said McGruder jumped into the police car and led police on a chase that ended at the PortMiami tunnel. An officer crashed his police-issued vehicle into the one McGruder was driving, causing damage to both cars.

Police said McGruder tried to run away and sprayed two of the officers with some type of chemical before he was taken into custody. Police said no officers were injured, but McGruder was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital for injuries he suffered during the takedown.

McGruder has an extensive criminal history in Miami-Dade County, where he was arrested on numerous charges since 2010, such as battery, burglary, prostitution and possession of cannabis.

He now faces charges of grand theft, reckless driving, fleeing and eluding, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest.

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