Groton Officer Dragged By Car, Accused Driver Arrested: UPDATE

GROTON, CT — Groton police said an officer was dragged by a car as the driver allegedly attempted to flee from police. The incident occurred early Monday morning shortly before 4 a.m. after the officer stopped the vehicle on Fort Hill Road just west of the intersection of North Road (Route 117), police said.

Police said Officer Tyler DeAngelo detected an odor of marijuana after stopping Taj L. Dickerson, 22, of New London, who allegedly admitted to having some on him, according to a release.

After back-up units arrived, the accused was asked to step out of his vehicle. He informed officers he had a pit-bull in the vehicle, and was asked to remove the dog from the car, police said.

Police said officers also found crack cocaine upon further investigation, and the accused ran back toward his vehicle as officers made arrangements to put the dog into a cruiser. DeAngelo chased after Dickerson and a struggle ensued inside the vehicle, police said.

Police said the accused was able to put the car into drive during the struggle and accelerated away with the officer partially hanging out of the vehicle. The accused then continued west on Fort Hill Road and onto Poquonnock Road, going as fast as 50 mph with the driver’s door open the entire time, police said.

Police said DeAngleo gave countless commands to stop the car, and was dragged for approximately a mile. The officer was eventually able to grab the steering wheel and turn the vehicle when it appeared the accused was directing the car at a telephone pole, police said.

Police said DeAngelo then released himself from the vehicle and fell onto Poquonnock Road. The officer sustained non-life threatening injuries as a result of the incident, police said.

Officers continued to pursue Dickerson on Poquonnock Road, Long Hill Road and onto Interstate 95 south, police said. Police said the accused then made his way into New London, where the vehicle was stopped on Eugene O’Neil Drive with assistance from New London police.

"This incident could have ended so much worse, were it not for the quick actions of all involved," Chief Louis J. Fusaro Jr. said in a release. "Fortunately, Officer DeAngelo was treated and released with non-life threatening injuries. I also want to thank our area law enforcement partners – especially the New London Police Department – for their assistance with apprehending this dangerous felon, and the Connecticut State Police who assisted with locating evidence in this case.”

Police said Dickerson was arrested on charges of Interfering with a Police Officer, Assault on a Police Officer, Reckless Endangerment, Unlawful Restraint, Threatening, Cruelty to Animals, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Crack Cocaine, Defective Tail Lamp, Reckless Driving and Engaging Police In Pursuit.

Photo credit: Town of Groton Police Department Facebook page