La. officer dragged by car after traffic stop

December 04, 2008 03:30 AM

Counts for driver include pot possession

By Mary Sparacello
Times-Picayune

KENNER, La. — A Kenner police officer who stopped a LaPlace man for a minor traffic infraction Wednesday morning was dragged for 100 feet along Airline Drive, sustaining minor injuries, authorities said.

Dywand Dennis, 22, has been booked with attempted murder of a police officer, possession with the intent to distribute marijuana and numerous traffic violations after the 6:40 a.m. incident, said Lt. Wayne McInnis, Kenner Police Department spokesman. Dennis remained in the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna Wednesday afternoon. His bail had not been set.

Officer Brian Krummel stopped Dennis for reckless driving and not wearing a seat belt, McInnis said.

Dennis and Krummel were standing behind Dennis’ vehicle when Dennis started struggling with the officer and managed to get back into his vehicle, McInnis said.

Krummel tried to get him out of the vehicle, but Dennis pulled the officer partly inside and pulled the vehicle into gear, dragging the officer for 100 feet before Krummel was able to break free, McInnis said.

Krummel sustained scrapes and a sore shoulder, McInnis said.

Responding officers chased Dennis’ vehicle into the Hanson City area of Kenner. During the pursuit, Dennis threw a large bag from the vehicle, which police recovered. Inside, they found almost a pound of marijuana, McInnis said.

Dennis abandoned the vehicle in the 800 block of Short Street and was captured after a short foot chase.

Dennis has a 2007 conviction for possession with the intent to distribute marijuana and aggravated flight from an officer in St. Martin Parish, McInnis said.

Krummel was treated at a local hospital from minor injuries and released.

Chief Steve Caraway urges anyone with information concerning this incident to call the Kenner Police Department at 504.712.2222 or Crimestoppers at 504.822.1111.