BRADENTON, Fla. — A Bradenton police officer was hospitalized after being dragged by a vehicle during a traffic stop that ended in a crash and led to the arrest of a 19-year-old suspect, FOX 13 reported.
The May 20 incident occurred when an officer attempted to pull over a vehicle. The suspect failed to comply with commands, prompting the officer to approach the vehicle and repeatedly ask him to turn off the engine.
Body camera footage shows the officer asking the driver 12 times to shut off the car, expressing concern that the suspect might flee. When the driver refused, the officer opened the driver’s door and reached inside to shift the vehicle into park.
At that moment, the suspect accelerated, dragging the officer approximately 150 feet before crashing into a pole.
The officer, visibly injured, was seen on video crawling on the ground and struggling to stand. Several officers arrived quickly and took the suspect into custody after he resisted and hit multiple officers. A search of the vehicle uncovered one kilogram of marijuana and 62 THC vape cartridges.
The officer was transported to the hospital in a patrol vehicle and treated for a concussion, a separated shoulder and minor leg injuries. He has since been released and is recovering at home, according to the Bradenton Police Department.
The suspect faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
He is currently being held at the Manatee County Jail. The incident remains under investigation.
