OKC Police Officers Dragged By Suspect's Car

Police say an Oklahoma City sergeant and a recruit were dragged by a suspect's car when they tried to stop the man from speeding away.

On March 29, police stopped 45-year-old William Smiley at S.W. 15th Street and Brookline. They pulled him over because he had an illegal windshield and an expired paper tag.

When Sgt. Justin Hatcher and recruit Clint Caswell approached the car, Smiley told them his driver's license may be suspended. Sgt. Hatcher tried to place Smiley in investigative detention, but Smiley jumped back into the car.

As both Sgt. Hatcher and Caswell reached into the car to restrain Smiley, the suspect put the car in drive.

Both officers' legs were hanging out of the vehicle as the car moved down the street. Caswell's was dragged about 10 feet, while Hatcher was dragged approximately 20 feet before they let go of the suspect. They were scratched but not seriously injured.

The officers called for backup and a pursuit began. Police say Smiley drove across three lanes of traffic on Interstate 44 near S.W. 29th Street, nearly causing multiple accidents. He then hit a light pole and a barrier before skidding off the highway into a ditch.

3/29/2013 Related Story: High-Speed Police Chase Ends In Crash In Southwest OKC

He was taken to a hospital for treatment. After Smiley was medically cleared, he was booked into Oklahoma County jail on several complaints, including assault with a deadly weapon, attempt to elude police and reckless driving.