Authorities: 'An individual stole a METRO police car'

Police arrested a woman for allegedly stealing a patrol vehicle belonging to the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) on Monday morning (March 28), Houston-based media outlets reported. Houston CBS affiliate KHOU reported that the offense occurred at 1:20 a.m. at the Fannin South Park & Ride at 1601 W Bellfort St. 

Authorities told KHOU that the suspect disembarked from the southbound METRO Rail when she caught the sight of a partially opened window on the unit in question. The vehicle was running as the officer assigned to it was inspecting the rail car.

Police said that the woman entered the car and drove off, striking an automatic gate at the Park & Ride, KHOU reported.

"Can I get a unit out here to Fannin South? An individual stole a METRO police car," a 911 dispatcher said, according to Rangecast audio.

The officer was able to track the vehicle because his phone was left inside, according to the station. 

The vehicle was spotted and the woman arrested shortly afterwards, KHOU reported.

Houston ABC affiliate KTRK reported that police apprehended the suspect at Greenbriar and U.S. 59, some 10 miles away from the Park & Ride lot.

Police charged her with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

She reportedly told officers that she was headed to her grandmother's house and she was pregnant.

Houston NBC affiliate KPRC reported that the woman allegedly attempted to flee authorities.

Nothing appeared to be stolen from the vehicle, according to the station.