Cop Nearly Pushed Into Oncoming Traffic In Woodbridge

TRIANGLE, VA — A man pulled over for running a red light last Friday in the area of Jefferson Highway and Joplin Road resisted arrest after an officer spotted drug paraphernalia on the passenger side and then tried to push the officer into oncoming traffic while striking him in the upper body, according to Prince William County Police. Azher Mustafa, 32, of thle 8200 block of Mapleleaf Court in Springfield, was charged with attempted malicious wounding on a law enforcement officer, assault and battery on a law enforcement officer, obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana and other related traffic charges. He's being held without bond.

Shortly before noon, the officer saw Mustafa blow through a red light. He followed him onto northbound Interstate 95 and conducted a traffic stop. The officer saw evidence of drug use. The man then reached under the driver's seat, grabbed a plastic container and tried to eat the contents, later found to be marijuana. (For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts. Also, like us on Facebook, and if you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

When the officer tried to arrest him, a struggle ensued. The officer said Mustafa struck him and tried to push him into oncoming traffic. But the cop then used pepper spray on him, and additional officers quickly arrived at the scene. The officer suffered minor injuries. Mustafa was taken to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries and then was taken to jail.

Photo: Prince William County Police