An incredibly entertaining story of criminal stupidity is
coming to us out of Alaska today, in a report about one woman who was so
desperate to have what was inside of a police car that she boldly stole
the entire vehicle from right under a state trooper’s nose.
On Wednesday, officers arrested Joshua Watford, 38, after
receiving a tip that he was in a pawn shop in Big Lake. Joshua had
previously been arrested for driving under the influence but had failed
to show up for his court-mandated substance abuse classes, so apparently
there was a warrant for his arrest.
Watford’s wife, 28-year-old Amber, was reportedly with him
when he was arrested, handcuffed, and placed in the back of the
trooper’s patrol car. It was at that moment that opportunity presented
itself for Amber to do what might possibly be the boldest and
dumbest thing she will ever do in her life.
Joshua Watford (left), Amber Watford (right)
A passing motorist stopped to talk to the officer about an
unrelated event, and while his back was turned, Amber Watford allegedly
took advantage of the distraction, jumped in the driver’s seat of the
patrol car, and sped away with her husband handcuffed in the back seat.
Although what Amber did was stupid and reckless, I would
have loved to see the officer’s face as he realized his patrol car was
racing down the road without him in it. I don’t imagine his superiors
were too pleased with him. More than that though, I think when all of
her penalties are levied, Amber Watford will wish she had thought twice
about going on her criminal adventure. However, there are quite a few
people who think she deserves the “Best Wife of the Year” award.
According to Newser,
the officer’s patrol car was found — undamaged — about an hour after
the great escape, along with Joshua’s handcuffs still in the back seat,
but the couple was nowhere around. A search involving a helicopter and a
K-9 unit was launched in cooperation with Anchorage police but to no
avail. The couple had eluded capture, though not for long.
Thursday, police received a tip that the couple was at a
home in Wasilla, so they closed in on the property and took both Joshua
and Amber into custody. As of Friday, Joshua is still behind bars, but
Amber was released on a $20,000 bond. She faces a host of charges,
including vehicle theft, hindering prosecution, and criminal mischief.
Whether you think Amber’s actions were idiotically criminal
or brilliantly ballsy, one thing is clear — she obviously loves her
husband very much. Because no one was hurt and no property was damaged, I
can’t help but chuckle at the visual image that I get from reading
about this couple’s misadventure. “Wife of the Year” award? Perhaps she
does deserve it!
h/t [KOMO News]
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