Woman on the run after stealing Highway Patrol car in Jefferson County

A woman is on the loose after stealing a Missouri State Highway Patrol car Friday night. 

According to officials, a state trooper was investigating an auto theft when the woman stole the trooper’s vehicle. Jefferson County deputies chased the suspect for a time, before she crashed close to Hardin Road and Highway E near Melzo, Missouri, about 55 miles south of St. Louis.

Police say the woman left the vehicle and fled the scene on foot, and officers are presently canvassing the area.

This is the second time someone in the St. Louis area theft a patrol car. On Saturday, 32-year-old Heather Nesler stole w patrol car during a traffic stop. She was charged with failing to use a seat belt, tampering in the first degree, resisting arrest for a felony, and fleeing from custody.

No other details were released. We will update the story as more details become available.