Man Ran Over Officer's Foot Fleeing Traffic Stop: Police

A Queens man was arrested by Nassau police on Monday night after police say he ran over an officer's foot while fleeing a traffic stop and leading police on a short chase.

According to police, an officer on patrol saw a white Ford Econoline van fail to signal a lane change on Green Acres Road in Valley Stream at 5:37 p.m. The officer pulled the van over. During the investigation, police say the driver, Jeremiah Johnson, 38, of 226th Street, Springfield Gardens, fled the scene and ran over the officer's right foot.

Police say the officer saw Johnson commit multiple vehicle and traffic law violations as he sped away, cause two crashes without stopping and then hit the officer's car before coming to a stop at the intersection of Alden Avenue and Bee Street.

Johnson ran out of his car, police said, dropping a loaded .357 Magnum revolver in the process. Officers found him a short time later in the back yard of a home on Rottkamp Street, police said. After refusing officers' orders and struggling, police say the officers were able to place Johnson under arrest at 6 p.m. The weapon was recovered and secured by police.

Johnson is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a firearm, obstructing government administration, two counts of leaving the scene of an accident, unlawful fleeing of a police officer, resisting arrest and multiple vehicle and traffic law violations. He is scheduled to be arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy Nassau County Police Department