Driver killed after dragging APD officer during escape attempt

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A fleeing driver is dead after dragging an Arlington Police officer during a Saturday afternoon traffic stop.

The initial traffic stop was for a registration violation, but when the officer smelled marijuana in the SUV, she called for backup. That’s when the stop turned deadly.

“You never know what a suspect's behavior, you can't really predict what's going to happen,” said Arlington Police Lieutenant Christopher Cook.

Arlington Police say the driver of the SUV was cooperative at first, when he and his passenger were stopped in the 2400 block of California Lane around 1:45 P.M. Saturday.

The backup officer was talking to the two men from the passenger-side window, while the initial officer who stopped them went back to her squad car to do routine checks.

“It was evident that the occupants inside the SUV were potentially concerned based on what the officers could smell and were acting kind of nervous,” said Lt. Cook.

Arlington Police say about ten minutes into the stop, the driver suddenly tried to get away, rolling up the windows while the officer was still at the passenger side.

“His left hand and arm were inside the window as it's being rolled up, he's giving them loud verbal commands to not do that, to stop, at which point the vehicle goes into motion,” said Lt. Cook. “The driver starts the SUV up, puts it into drive and starts driving with the officer still on the passenger side of the SUV.”

Police say the officer used his right to fire into the SUV, fatally hitting the driver. The vehicle came to a stop down the road, with the passenger unharmed.

“I thought it was a bad wreck because when it happened, it was a real loud boom, so I thought it was a wreck and then someone was like no, the police shot someone,” said neighbor Latosca Rowe.

The officer had minor injuries and was treated on scene. The driver later died at the hospital. Police are interviewing both officers, the passenger and potential witnesses, and are reviewing body and dash cam video.

At this point, no charges have been filed.