COP DRAGGED INSIDE FLEEING CAR AFTER RIDE STOP TODAY

HUNTSVILLE — Police are looking for a driver who eluded them at a RIDE check early this morning in which an officer was dragged inside the car before it crashed.

The OPP say that on Saturday Aug. 15, just before 1 a.m. officers were conducting check on Hwy. 11 on the off ramp to Hwy. 592 near Novar.

Shortly after 1 a.m. they stopped a white Toyota Corolla.

They say the male driver failed to produce identification and officers suspected he was impaired by alcohol and drugs.

While the first officer was at the driver’s door, police say the second officer on the passenger side “noticed the driver reach under the seat,” said a police in a news release tonight.

They say the second officer demanded the driver turn off the vehicle while at the same time opening the passenger door.

Police say the driver then put the vehicle in drive and fled the RIDE check, they say causing the officer to “fall into the car.”

The vehicle hit a concrete barrier and the driver fled the car by running over the bridge and onto southbound lanes of Hwy. 11, leaving the injured officer still partially inside the vehicle, they say.

The Emergency Response Team along with Central Region and later North East Region Canine attended assisted in searching for the driver, without finding the driver.

Huntsville OPP are looking for black man with dark cornrow style hair, about 5-10 to six-feet tall and a thin build.

He was wearing a white t-shirt and jeans.

Police ask that anyone with any information about the man or the vehicle to contact them at 705 789 5551.

You can also provide an anonymous tip online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00. You can also follow Crime Stoppers of Simcoe Dufferin Muskoka on Twitter or Facebook.