DETROIT – A man was killed by police Wednesday, Dec. 20, after he reportedly attempted to flee a traffic stop and dragged an officer for about 20 yards.
Police said their lives were on the line.
The shooting happened at about 10:15 p.m. near the intersection of Fenkell Avenue and Southfield Service Drive. Police said they initiated the traffic stop after they witnessed the vehicle ignore a traffic signal.
During the traffic stop, police found the driver had no license. Police said the driver attempted to drive off and one of the officers tried to step on the brakes, causing him to be dragged by the vehicle for about 20 yards.
The officer’s partner reportedly tried using a taser, which was not effective. Police said the driver put the car in reverse, still dragging the officer, and the partner fired two shots, striking the driver in the chest.
The driver was taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead.
Police said they recovered a Glock ghost gun with an extended magazine that had been modified to fire fully automatic, and “a large amount of narcotics,” including oxycodone, crack cocaine, ecstasy, promethazine, marijuana, a scale and cash.
A passenger in the vehicle was taken into custody but has since been released.
Police said the driver was out on bond for receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle and carrying a concealed weapon. He was not allowed to have a weapon.