A suspected gang member in Deer Park used an unmarked police car to make his escape after being taken into custody early Friday morning.

The incident unfolded around 12:30 a.m. along Washington Avenue in Deer Park.

According to police, officers from the gang unit conducted a vehicle and traffic stop. The officers then arrested a man on marijuana charges and placed him in an unmarked police car.

The officers were out of the vehicle when the suspect gained control of it and fled on Washington Avenue.

Police say the suspect abandoned the police car near First Baptist Church at the corner of Washington and Sammis avenues. Police were able to recover the car, but they are still searching for the suspect.

Authorities have not identified the suspect or explained how he was able to steal the car.