Cop car thief not competent for trial

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) - A judge has ruled a man accused of stealing a police car is not competent to stand trial.

Instead, James Richard Zalsman will be housed in an in-patient treatment program. He will remain there until an evaluation shows he is again competent to face charges.

Police said Zalsman stole an Ottawa County police cruiser on Oct. 9, 2009 while the deputy was out of the car responding to a domestic disturbance call on Unicorn Drive in Robinson Township. After a short chase, other police surrounded Zalsman in their vehicles and he surrendered. Zalsman damaged five patrol cars during the incident.

He faces nine charges.