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Video show suspected hit-and-run driver moments after striking Philly police officer
Video obtained by FOX 29 shows a suspected hit-and-run driver moments after he allegedly struck a Philadelphia police officer. Investigators later recovered the vehicle, a Tesla, but they are still looking for the driver and encouraged him to turn himself in.
PHILADELPHIA - The suspected vehicle used to drag a highway patrol officer 200 feet during a traffic stop Monday night has been recovered as the search for the driver continues, police say
The incident happened just before 10 p.m. in Wissinoming when officers pulled over a silver Tesla for rolling through a stop sign near the intersection of Charles Street and Cheltenham Avenue.
Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small told reporters an officer noticed a handgun laying on the floor of the vehicle and reached inside to grab it when the driver suddenly drove in reverse.
The officer was dragged 100 feet in reverse then dragged another 100 feet forward when police say the officer was "shook" off the vehicle.
He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries and released that same night.
The driver fled the scene in the Tesla, which was found unoccupied by police at 7th and Cumberland streets early Tuesday morning and towed to a police garage.
Video obtained by FOX 29 shows the suspected vehicle being parked as its driver flees on foot several hours before it was recovered.
Police have yet to say how the suspect is connected to the recovery location, but did say the firearm spotted by officers was not found inside the Tesla.
An arrest warrant has also been issued for the driver, who police say was not permitted to carry a firearm. He is expected to be charged with aggravated assault and weapons offenses upon arrest.
"We know we're looking for someone who's pretty dangerous, pretty desperate to get away for dragging a uniformed highway patrol officer with their vehicle," Small said.
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The suspect gave over his information to officers during the traffic stop, police confirmed during a press conference Tuesday. However, they believe the address he gave is not valid.
"It's better for him to just come see us," police said.
Police have yet to release the suspect's name or photo as they continue their search and investigation.