Charges pending after officer dragged by Tesla in Northeast Philadelphia

A Philadelphia highway patrol officer was dragged down a Wissinoming block Monday night after he stopped a driver and discovered a gun, police said.

He did not suffer serious injuries, and charges are pending against a suspect, investigators said.

The officer, whose name has not been released, and his partner spotted a gray Tesla with a broken headlight cruising through a stop sign at around 9:40 p.m. at the corner of Cheltenham Avenue and Charles Street, said Captain Jack Ryan, commanding officer of the Northeast Detective Division.

During the stop, the officer noticed a firearm in the vehicle and wanted the driver to exit the car, according to Ryan. The suspect did not cooperate and hit the gas, dragging the officer “maybe 100 meters,” he said.

Authorities have not detailed exactly how the officer became entangled with the vehicle, though Ryan said he was caught in the door frame.

The officer was hospitalized with injuries to his ribs and legs, and he has since been released. He did not suffer any broken bones.

“It’s just an example of the dangers police officers face every day out there doing their job,” Ryan told reporters Tuesday afternoon.

Prior to the incident, the driver had provided his identifying information and vehicle records, which remained at the scene, Ryan said. Police found the Tesla early Tuesday morning parked at 7th and Cumberland streets in Fairhill. The gun has not recovered.

Ryan said detectives have filed for an arrest warrant against the suspect but said authorities could not publicly identify him until prosecutors review the case and approve the paperwork. He is expected to be charged with aggravated assault against a police officer, among other crimes.