In visit to NYC, Winston-Salem man steals cop car, leads chase

A Winston-Salem man visiting New York City just couldn't resist the temptation of an idling police cruiser.

Joseph Pinkcett noticed that the car was unlocked, keys in the ignition, and comandeered it for a joy ride.

With officers tracking the vehicle via GPS, Pinkcett led them through the Upper West Side and Harlem. They stopped him at W. 135th St. and took him to a local hospital on suspicion that he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Pinkcett will face charges of grand larceny, possession of stolen property, unauthorized use of a vehicle, drunk driving and driving while impaired by drugs, police said.