SPENCER, N.Y. — A former Trumansburg police officer who managed to escape arrest while taking a cigarette break Tuesday has been tracked down and taken into custody in Spencer.
Andrew Jacobsen, 32, was taken into custody around 7:30 pm. after being on the lam for around 24 hours. Few details are available yet about his arrest.
Jacobsen was initially arrested by several Trumansburg police officers at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday and charged with felony grand larceny regarding the theft of about $4,000 in jewelry, Trumansburg Police Chief Tom Ferretti said. There was also a felony bench warrant out for Jacobsen from New York State Police in Ithaca for forgery
Ferretti said Jacobsen asked to smoke a cigarette while waiting for arraignment on the charges at the Ulysses Town Court. At least one officer escorted the uncuffed man during the break, but when it was time to put handcuffs back on him, the suspect shoved the officer and fled. He ran from the scene while barefooted.
New York State Police, the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Department, Ithaca police, Environmental Conservation Police and two K9 units searched for Jacobsen into the early morning hours Wednesday. At least two helicopters assisted in the search, which focused around the Rabbit Run Road and Smith Woods Forrest area throughout the initial searches.
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Ferretti said Jacobsen will also be charged with felonies for second-degree assault and second-degree escape for fleeing from custody.