Authorities say a man who was arrested Thursday night in Freeport stole a police car while handcuffed and led officers on a chase before crashing.

Police say the incident began around 10 p.m. on North Grove Street, when a Freeport village license plate scanner picked up a car driven by 36-year-old Andrew Howard. Police say Howard had two outstanding warrants and was pulled over by village police.

Howard was handcuffed and put in the back of a police SUV. As officers worked on his arrest paperwork, they say he was able to bring his cuffed hands from behind his back around to his front, then squeezed through the police car divider. The opening measured 11 1/2 inches by 12 3/4 inches, police say.

Investigators say Howard then drove away while handcuffed, leading police on a chase into Merrick. The pursuit ended when Howard smashed into four cars on Babylon Road.

Residents along the road say they heard the series of crashes, then watched in disbelief as armed officers arrested the man. Owners of the cars that were damaged are now wondering who will pay for the repairs.

Police say Howard, of Brooklyn, has a long and violent criminal record.

Howard is facing numerous charges including grand larceny, robbery and fleeing a police officer. Two women who were with him when he was initially pulled over were also arrested on weapons charges.