Cops: 2 Officers Injured After Being Dragged By Vehicle In Dover

DOVER, Del. (CBS) – Authorities say two officers were injured after being dragged by a vehicle early Thursday morning.

Officers responded to a store in the Hamlet Shopping Center in Dover, Delaware, after an employee said the suspect, Christopher Brewer, was throwing trash out of his vehicle window and refusing to leave the property.

Police say officers found Brewer reclined in the driver seat of a Chrysler 200. Authorities believed the suspect was sleeping or under the influence and attempted to wake him by knocking on the window and verbally commanding him.

Officers say Brewer began moving in the vehicle, possibly reaching for something.

Police say officers attempted to open the driver's side door but Brewer slammed it shut. Officers attempted to remove him from the vehicle once more and at that time Brewer allegedly put the vehicle in reverse and quickly accelerated.

Authorities say both officers were dragged across the lot by Brewer who then fled after putting the car in drive.

Other arriving officers engaged in a brief pursuit with Brewer that ended after he struck a curb.

Police arrested Brewer in the area of Lakewood Place and Ross Street.

Officials say he is charged with vehicular assault, 1st and 2nd degree, resisting arrest with force/violence, disregard police officer signal, DUI, leaving the scene of a collision resulting in injury, aggressive driving, and other related charges. Police say it is possible more charges will follow as the investigation continues.

Police say Patrolman Anthony D'Errico was treated at Bayhealth Kent General Hospital for multiple wounds and abrasions.

Patrolman Willie Johnson is currently admitted at Bayhealth Kent General Hospital for a leg injury. The extent of the injury is unknown at this time.