Actually, it's not all that uncommon. People who otherwise are productive citizens commit a non-violent crime (usually a misdemeanor) are often allowed to serve their time in this fashion. Same thing for non-violent offenders that have families that depend on them for financial support.
See "work release".
I didn't realize that running from the police was a misdemeanor. Wouldn't that be considered resisting arrest (even if by evasion)? I'll have to check, but for some silly reason I thought that was a felony.