By Joanna Putman
Police1
MAPLE GROVE, Minn. — A county attorney will not press felony assault charges against a suspect who dragged a police officer nearly 40 yards with his vehicle, KARE reported.
Newly released dash camera footage shows the Nov. 13 traffic stop unfolding after officers, including Officer Brandon Gross, asked the driver and passenger to get out of the vehicle, according to the report.
Officers can be seen speaking with a man, now identified as Daniel Rudolph, and a woman between the police cruiser and stopped vehicle after seeing an empty alcohol bottle in the car. Rudolph abruptly ran to the car, got in and attempted to flee.
Two officers on the scene both attempted to restrain Rudolph as he started to drive away. One officer was knocked down in front of the cruiser, while Gross was dragged away by the suspect.
Rudolph was arrested and charged with obstruction and fleeing an officer, both felony charges. But the police department and police union disputed the charges, according to the report.
“We feel this falls short of what should be charged,” Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA) general counsel Imran Ali said.
The MPPOA argued that Rudolph should be charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, given that he used his vehicle to harm the officer, according to the report.
“I am troubled and alarmed felony assault charges were declined by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office,” Maple Grove Police Chief Eric Werner said.
A spokesperson for the attorney’s office stated that there was not enough evidence in the case to prove that Rudolph was intentionally trying to hurt Gross.