TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Authorities say a Topeka police officer shot and wounded a motorist after he drove off during a traffic stop and began dragging the officer.
Topeka Police Chief Bill Cochran said both men suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening, The Topeka Capital-Journal reports. The car’s driver was undergoing surgery at a Topeka hospital, while the officer was treated at the scene and was to receive further treatment, he said. The men’s names weren’t being released.
A preliminary police investigation showed that when the driver took off during the traffic stop, the officer became entangled. The officer fired his service weapon, striking the driver at least once. The officer then became free.
The wounded man drove about two blocks before losing control and striking a house.
The officer who shot the driver was placed on paid leave, as is standard procedure, while the shooting is investigated.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.