Man charged with Stealing, Crashing Police Cruiser Doesn't Remember Anything

The man accused of stealing a police cruiser and crashing it after a New Year's Even joy ride appeared in court Monday.

22-year-old Kody Grayson will have a probable cause hearing later this month. He's charged with reckless driving, resisting a public officer, hit and run, DWI and stealing a police cruiser.

An off-duty Charlotte police officer working at a club during New Year's Eve celebrations got quite the surprise when he left his police cruiser for a moment -- someone took it.

According to CMPD, the officer was working at White House Night Club on Wilkinson Boulevard in Charlotte the morning of New Year's Day. He responded to a fight at a business down the street at about 2 a.m. While the officer was away, Grayson got into the officers' unlocked, running patrol car, and drove off. He totaled it 9 minutes later on Scott Futrell Road.

Police say Grayson left the scene after the crash. Officers found him on Steele Creek Road. Medic had to treat Grayson for an injury he got in the crash.

Grayson's father told FOX 46 he's glad his son didn't hurt anyone. He said Grayson woke up in the hospital on New Year's Day and didn't remember anything.

CMPD says they will review what happened to see if the officer followed protocol, which is standard whenever an officer is involved in an incident.