Prisoner steals car, crashes

MATTAWA - Wearing belly chains, Juanito A. Meza was reportedly able to steal a 2011 Dodge Charger two bail enforcement officers were using to transport him.

Inside the car was a Taser and a pistol, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Twenty-one-year-old Meza, of Bonney Lake, was allegedly able to take the car when the vehicle was stopped for gas in Vantage at roughly 10 a.m. Wednesday morning.

A state trooper spotted the car while it was traveling south on state Route 243 at a high rate of speed, according to the state patrol.

Meza reportedly lost control of the vehicle, leaving the road and coming to a stop at the edge of the Columbia River.

He allegedly fled the stolen vehicle on foot and jumped into the river, where he was caught a short time later.

The state patrol stated Meza was booked into the Grant County Jail, but did not disclose the anticipated charges.

No further details were available.

- Staff report