Suspect drove a mile with officer hanging from car — police

A US police car on patrol. AFP

GROTON, Connecticut, United States — Police say a Connecticut man sped away from a traffic stop and drove nearly a mile with an officer hanging partially out of the car.

Groton police say Officer Tyler DeAngelo struggled with the driver, Taj Dickerson, early Monday. They say Dickerson then put the vehicle in drive and sped off with the driver’s side door still open.

Police say the officer had to grab the steering wheel when the suspect appeared to be driving toward a telephone pole. They say DeAngelo then fell from the car onto the roadway.

Police say Dickerson was about to be arrested on drug charges. He was eventually arrested in New London, and now is being held on a $175,000 bond. Messages were left seeking comment with his public defender.

DeAngelo was treated for his injuries and released. /cbb