A man is arrested after pulling away from a traffic stop with a Florida Highway Patrol trooper dangling from the car.
A trooper was thrown from a vehicle in Orange County after a driver took off during a traffic stop, according to Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers stopped 25-year-old Marcus Ryan Dallas about 11:30 p.m. Friday for driving without his headlights on near the intersection of Andora Street and Semoran Boulevard, FHP spokeswoman Kim Montes said. Dallas got out of his white Dodge Charger so the trooper could perform a DUI test and search his vehicle, Montes said. A passenger sat inside the car.
Montes said it was suspected the driver had marijuana. Trooper Shuaib Moonda arrived as backup and overheard a struggle between the trooper and Dallas.
Dallas was trying to get back in his car to drive off, Montes said. Moonda hopped out of his patrol car and reached through the passenger side window to try and take the keys out of the ignition. Dallas was able to get back in the car. He sped off with Moonda still partially inside the vehicle, Montes said. Moonda was thrown from the car and landed in the road. He rolled out of traffic and into a grass yard. He was treated by fire officials but was not transported to a hospital, Montes said.
Troopers said Dallas drove about ¼ mile west and ditched the car. He fled on foot and Orange County deputies along with Orlando police scouted the area. He was arrested at 12:15 a.m. Saturday. The passenger, 25-year-old Christal Cash, stayed in the vehicle and was also arrested. Cash was charged with felony possession of marijuana with intent to sell and misdemeanor drug possession.
Dallas is being held in the Orange County Jail and faces several charges including driving on a suspended license, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and possession of marijuana.