THOMASTON — A Thomaston man remains at the Knox County Jail after being charged with two counts of Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, Aggravated Criminal Mischief, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Violation of Probation, and Escape.

As a Knox County Sheriff’s deputy drove David Alvarez, 34, from the location of arrest in Cushing, Alaverez managed to escape the cruiser while still handcuffed, and jump over a guard rail in Thomaston before being recaptured, according to a news release from the Knox County Sheriff Tim Carroll.

Just after 1:30 a.m., Dec. 1, Knox County Regional Communications Center dispatched deputies to a residence on River Road in Cushing following a report of a motor vehicle burglary in progress. The burglary was one on a list of multiple recent complaints about area motor vehicle burglaries.

According to the release, residents in the home reported being awoken by a noise. When they looked outside, they saw someone going into their vehicles. At one point, the suspect was allegedly seen holding a rifle, according to the report.

Deputy St. Thomas arrived first and was quickly able to get custody of the suspect and place him in his cruiser, the Sheriff said. Further investigation found the complainants were unaware of who the suspect was.

“Evidence was gathered at the scene, some being found on the suspect,” the release said.

St. Thomas stated in the news release that while enroute to the jail, the handcuffed man in the backseat first smashed his head against the partition of St. Thomas’ cruiser and then twice against the passenger side rear window. As St. Thomas stopped his vehicle on Main Street in Thomaston, the suspect broke the rear window and was able to get out of the cruiser, the release said.

St. Thomas chased the suspect down the road on foot. The suspect jumped a guard rail and reportedly fell down the embankment.

Deputy St. Thomas was able to restrain the suspect again, and walked him back to the cruiser, where Sgt. Arthur Smith had just arrived and was able to assist.

“Smith was able to find out the suspects name was David Alvarez, 34, of Thomaston,” the release said. “Due to the incident, Sgt. Smith took Alvarez to the hospital for a medical evaluation. Once Alvarez was cleared medically, Deputy St. Thomas transported Alvarez to the Knox County Jail.”

In cases involving deliberate damage to cruisers, restitution may also be requested, according to the KCSO. The Sheriff’s Office maintains a fleet of 24 cars, SUV’s and trucks, two of which are spares that are available for deputies to use.

“We try to keep the best of the old ones we cycle out,” said Carroll.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com