Shoplifting suspect drags officer 30 feet with car then crashes into pole

New Bedford Police are actively investigating what started off as a shoplifting case, but will end up in serious charges against a male.

On Friday evening a New Bedford Police officer was working the Stop and Shop (Dartmouth St.) security detail. At approximately 6:55 pm he was alerted by security staff that a male was leaving the store that had just shoplifted several items. The officer approached the male as he was entering his vehicle. As the officer went to place the male under arrest a struggle ensued. The male was able to get into his vehicle, start the ignition and get it into reverse. As the male did this, the officer who still had his arm in the vehicle was dragged approximately thirty feet. The officer broke free from the vehicle which then drove off at a high rate of speed. The officer was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital where he was treated and released. The officer sustained minor injuries and is expected to have a full recovery.

At approximately 7:28 PM, the fleeing vehicle was discovered on Idlewood Drive in Dartmouth where it had struck a utility pole. The male suspect had fled the scene prior to police arriving. A search of that area was conducted with the use of K-9’s and officers however the male was not located. The vehicle was towed and is being processed by the New Bedford Police Identification Unit and Detective Division.

This investigation remains very active.

The male suspect is facing several charges including:
1. Shoplifting
2. Resisting arrest
3. Assault and battery on a police officer
4. Assault and battery dangerous weapon (2 counts)
5. Assault to murder