While a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputy was trying to arrest a 45-year-old Cedar Hill man on an outstanding warrant Friday morning (Aug. 14), the suspect allegedly slammed a car door on the deputy’s arm and drove away, pulling the deputy along side the car until he was able to free himself. The deputy suffered minor injuries, but after being treated at an area hospital, he went back to work and completed his shift, Sheriff’s Office spokesman Grant Bissell said.
The incident began about 1:30 a.m. when the deputy saw two cars at the Morse Mill River access in Dittmer and approached the Cedar Hill man, who was in a Ford Focus, to find out why the cars were parked there after dark. The deputy checked the man’s information and discovered he was wanted in Jefferson County on a warrant for drug possession, Bissell said.
When the deputy attempted to arrest the man, the driver started the car’s engine. The deputy opened the driver-side door to try to shut off the engine, and the driver allegedly kicked at the deputy and slammed the door shut, pinning the officer between the car door and frame, Bissell said.
The deputy was able to run alongside the car until he pulled his arm free. The Focus reportedly hit the deputy’s patrol vehicle while fleeing the parking lot, causing minor damage, Bissell said.
The deputy got in his vehicle and pursued the fleeing Focus east on Hwy. 30, where another deputy set up a spike strip. The Focus ran over the strip and eventually stopped on Hwy. 30 near Hwy. BB in Cedar Hill, Bissell said.
After the car stopped, the suspect was arrested without further incident. A woman also was in the Focus, but Bissell said it did not appear she was involved in any illegal acts and was released at the scene.
The Sheriff’s Office is seeking charges against the man through the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for at least assault of a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest, Bissell said.
He said the suspect was being held in the Jefferson County Jail as of Friday afternoon.