MECHANICSVILLE, Va. -- After a search, a suspect is in custody for a traffic stop that injured a police officer.
On Friday just after 4 p.m., a trooper attempted to stop a car that was traveling 97 mph in a 70 mph zone on I-295 in Henrico County near the Hanover County border. The car pulled over onto the shoulder.
During the traffic stop, the suspect and the trooper engaged in a brief altercation. During the altercation, the suspect sped off at a high rate of speed, causing the passenger side door to close on the trooper.
Caught in the door, the trooper was dragged for approximately three miles as the SWUV reached speeds of up to 115 MPH as it continued south on I-295. The SUV then hit two southbound trailer-tractors before crashing near the Creighton Road exit. The driver then fled on foot.
Virginia State Police, Henrico Police and Hanover Police used a helicopter, drones and K-9s to find the suspect.
Charges against the 38-year-old man taken into custody are pending at this time. A handgun was also recovered from inside the suspect's SUV.
The trooper injured in the incident has only minor scratches and bruises.
This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.
