Gardendale police have issued two warrants in a growing list of charges against a man who allegedly escaped custody in a stolen Birmingham police vehicle last week.

Eric Shaun Smith, 36, of Shelby, Ala., has been charged with two counts of unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle, according to Gardendale police.

Police said Smith’s method was to steal purses out of cars left running at gas stations and convenience stores while the owners stepped inside to briefly shop or pay for gas. He allegedly stole two purses, one at BP on Fieldstown Road on Oct. 31 and one at Raceway on Nov. 2.

“Our guys were networking with some other agencies, and we were pretty certain it was him,” said Gardendale Police Chief Mike Walker.

Police said Smith was arrested by Birmingham police two days after allegedly stealing a car in Homewood and wrecking it, getting away on foot.

Smith managed to get his feet through his handcuffs and unlock the patrol car door. He escaped custody by commandeering the very car he was handcuffed in, and was arrested again a few hours later.

“He’s a really dangerous guy,” said Walker.

So far, Smith has been charged with theft of property, burglary, criminal mischief, two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, two counts of receiving stolen property, escape, robbery and two counts of unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle. His bonds total $231,000.