Man who dragged, struck officer in stolen vehicle sought

Police are seeking the public’s help in finding the driver of a stolen vehicle who dragged a police officer and then backed into him while evading arrest.

Early Tuesday morning police responded to a report of a car prowling in the vicinity of 20 Avenue South.

An officer attending the scene was searching the area on foot and witnessed a Lincoln MKX enter a parking lot along the 2100 block of Palm Road South.

The vehicle matched the description of one that had previously been reported stolen, police said.

The officer approached the driver’s side door. The driver was instructed to exit the vehicle, and when he did not comply, the officer tried the door handle.

Police say the driver put the vehicle in reverse and the officer was dragged a short distance. He stepped away from the vehicle and continued to instruct the driver to stop and get out.

The vehicle drove forward for a short distance and then reversed, striking the officer and pushing him back several feet before he was able to move out of the way and avoid being run over.

The vehicle fled north on Palm Road at a high rate of speed and then turned east onto 20 Avenue South.

Attempts by additional officers to locate the vehicle and driver were unsuccessful.

The officer sustained minor injuries and did not require medical treatment.

The vehicle is described as a

white Lincoln MKX with licence plate BBT-8529.

The driver is described by police as a white male with light-coloured curly or messy hair and lightcoloured eyes. He was wearing a white T-shirt.

Police are asking anyone who has information or if they observe the stolen vehicle to please call LPS at 403-328-4444 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.