A Winter Haven police officer escaped injury late Wednesday when he was dragged by a vehicle trying to leave the scene.
- Officer escapes injury after being dragged by suspect vehicle
- William McCarter of Pembroke Pines pulled over in Winter Haven
- Police say McCarter tried to drive off
According to authorities, the officer saw a white Mercedes Benz driven by 37 year-old William McCarter of Pembroke Pines run a red light at the intersection of First St. SW and Ave. G SW in Winter Haven.
The officer pulled the car over in the parking lot of Circle K located at 1000 1st Street South just after 10 p.m.
Authorities said McCarter smelled of alcohol and appeared impaired as the officer approached the car. When asked to turn off the vehicle and exit the car, McCarter tried to drive off, dragging an officer who was hanging onto the car about 20 feet.
The officer eventually was able to reach into the vehicle and stop it.
McCarter was taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, fleeing or attempting to elude, DUI and resisting without violence.
He was booked into the Polk County jail.