Escaped Prisoner Hits Police Officer as He Flees in Vehicle: NYPD

UPDATE: Escaped Prisoner Who Hit Cop as He Fled in Stolen Vehicle Captured in Manhattan: NYPD

A man being arrested on drug charges in Queens Monday escaped from police custody, taking off in a stolen police cruiser and hitting an officer before getting away, authorities say.

Narcotics officers had arrested 38-year-old Bryan McMenamin and another man who allegedly bought drugs from McMenamin in Glendale. The two suspects were placed in the back of a police van and were being transported when the officers made a car stop at 59th Street and Cooper Avenue, officials said.

McMenamin seized the opportunity to hop in front of the cruiser and take off. He had been handcuffed with his hands behind his back, but somehow managed to get his hands to the front and drive away.

One of the narcotics officers got in front of the vehicle to try to keep the McMenamin from getting away, but the suspect continued on, hitting the officer, police said.

The officer was taken to Long Island Jewish Hospital and is expected to be OK.

The car was later found at Myrtle Avenue and Decatur Street in Ridgewood, police say.