HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. -- A driver faces several charges after fleeing a traffic stop and dragging a Hernando County Sheriff's deputy a short distance. 

  • Megan Elaine Lloyd, 25, arrested after incident
  • Deputy Tonya Shutt treated for injuries
  • Lloyd accused of fleeing traffic stop, dragging deputy

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office said Deputy Tonya Shutt, 48, conducted a traffic stop on a GMC Sierra on McKethan Road at about 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday for various traffic violations, inlcuding violation of right of way, reckless driving, speeding, and failure to obey a traffic control device. 

According to the report, Deputy Shutt recognized the driver, Melissa Lloyd, 25, from previous law enforcement contacts and knew Lloyd's license was suspended, which Lloyd also knew of. 

Shutt told Lloyd to step out of the vehicle as she was going to be arrested for driving on a suspended license, officials said. Lloyd ignored Shutt's command, so Deputy Shutt went to open the door but the exterior handle was broken off, so Shutt reached inside the vehicle through the window to open the door. 

At that point, officials said Lloyd began to accelerate and drive off with Deputy Shutt's arm still inside the vehicle. Shutt fell off the side of the truck, landing in the roadway where she sustained minor injuries to her leg. 

A witness saw what happened and called 911, advising Pasco County operators that the GMC had pulled into the parking lot of PK's Discount Beverage and Cigarettes, where Lloyd was taken into custody. 

According to the report, deputies found marijuana and meth inside the GMC. 

Lloyd was charged with fleeing to elude, aggravated battery on a LEO, resisting arrest with violence, and felony DWLSR. She remains in jail. 

Officials say Deputy Shutt is now recovering at home.