An officer with the Pinellas Park Police Department was injured at approximately 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 17, 2019. The incident occurred as officers were monitoring traffic in the construction zone along 118th Ave as part of their “Hands free” enforcement and education campaign.
While observing traffic, one of the officers observed a motorcycle travel west on 118th Ave from 49th St N. at a high rate of speed.
At the red light for westbound 118th Ave and US Highway 19 N, the officer exited his vehicle in an attempt to stop the motorcycle. The motorcyclist initially complied with the direction of the officer to turn off the motorcycle and move to the side of the roadway.
While moving the motorcycle, the subject started the motorcycle and accelerated toward the officer, almost striking him. The officer reacted by grabbing the subject and attempted to remove him from the motorcycle. These attempts were defeated as the motorcyclist accelerated rapidly causing the officer to be struck and dragged across several lanes of 118th Ave.
The motorcycle driver failed to stop after injuring the officer and was last observed traveling south on US Highway 19 N Frontage Rd from Bryan Dairy/118th Ave N.
The officer was injured as a result of this incident and was transported to a local hospital with injuries to his upper body. The officer has since been released and is resting at home.
The motorcycle is described as a black sport bike with a stretched swing arm. The rider was a white male wearing a black jacket, black helmet and khaki pants.
If anyone has any knowledge if this incident, please contact the Pinellas Park Police Department at 727-369-7864. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers of Pinellas County at 800-873-TIPS (8477) and may be eligible for a cash reward.
The subject is facing charges of Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer
The investigation is still active.