HPD officer injured during traffic stop
The suspect has been arrested in Bridgewater
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) (UPDATE 12:05 p.m.) — According to a press release from the Harrisonburg Police Department, the officer injured this morning while assisting on a traffic stop has been released from Sentara RMH and is convalescing at home.
During the traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle was asked to step out multiple times and refused, according to officials. The driver then turned and placed the car in drive as the officer and deputy attempted to pull him from the vehicle.
The vehicle and the driver were located in Bridgewater, where an arrest was made. The suspect, Tyrone N. Bookers, 39, of Bridgewater, was transported to Sentara RMH Medical Center for treatment prior to being taken to the Rockingham-Harrisonburg Regional Jail.
The press release says that Booker has been charged with malicious wounding, obstruction of justice and eluding police. Additional charges are pending.
The investigation remains ongoing.
(UPDATE 10:10 a.m.) — Rockingham County Sheriff Bryan Hutcheson confirmed to WHSV the suspect was arrested Monday morning. Deputies took the suspect to Sentara RMH for a “precautionary medical evaluation.” The suspect’s name and mug shot will be released later today.
(ORIGINAL STORY 8:30 a.m.) — An officer with Harrisonburg Police is in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to Lt. Pete Ritchie, the officer was hurt while assisting a Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office deputy on a traffic stop. The incident took place Monday morning after 5 a.m. on Summit Street between E. Wolfe St. and E. Rock St.
“At some point during the investigation, the driver got back into his car and fled," said Lt. Ritchie. "One of our officers was still in the car. The vehicle got away. Our officer was injured and was taken to RMH for treatment.”
A press release from HPD said the officer was dragged a short distance before falling to the pavement.
He is still being evaluated at this time.
According to Lt. Ritchie, the vehicle was recovered in the Bridgewater area. Rockingham County Sheriff Bryan Hutcheson tells WHSV the suspect was arrested.
At this time the officer’s name and the name of the suspect have not been released.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out with the officer that was injured," said Lt. Ritchie.
HPD’s accident reconstruction team will be on the scene for several hours to determine and document what happened during the traffic stop. That section of Summit Street will be closed to traffic during that time.
Stay with WHSV for updates from the investigation.
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