Woman in Mental Health Crisis Steals Albany Police Cruiser, Crashes Into Two Vehicles

ALBANY, Ga. – A 27-year-old woman was taken into custody Monday afternoon after police say she stole a patrol vehicle during a domestic disturbance response, crashed into multiple vehicles and fences, and fled on foot.

According to the Albany Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:40 p.m. on July 20 to the 2600 block of Gillionville Road for a reported domestic incident.

When officers arrived, they made contact with 27-year-old Teannia Broadnax, who appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis. Officers remained at the scene speaking with Broadnax while waiting for the REACH crisis response team to arrive.

Police said Broadnax then entered a patrol vehicle. As officers attempted to remove her, she allegedly shifted the cruiser into drive and fled the scene.

Investigators said Broadnax drove onto Gillionville Road, where the patrol vehicle collided with two other vehicles. One driver suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel.

Authorities said Broadnax continued driving into the 400 block of Forest Glen Drive, where she struck two fences before abandoning the patrol vehicle and fleeing on foot.

Officers located Broadnax a short distance away and took her into custody without further incident.

She was transported to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital for evaluation after officers believed she may have ingested an unknown substance.

The incident remains under investigation.