Bodycam video shows suspect dragging Florida cop with car for more than half a mile

Police in Pembroke Pines, Florida, said a man was charged with attempted murder after he dragged a police officer for more than half a mile on Monday while attempting to flee.

Police said the officer, identified in news reports as Jon Cusack, was called to 1110 S.W. 125 Avenue when security staff at Century Village observed two nonresponsive individuals in a parked vehicle with a “clear baggie containing an unknown substance.”

Bodycam footage shows the officer approaching the vehicle and engaging with the suspect, later identified as Thomas Cabrera, before opening the car door.

The suspect is seen putting the car in drive and taking off, leaving the officer clinging to the vehicle for what police said was half a mile. The footage then shows the officer falling to the ground.

The officer was taken to hospital and was being treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Cabrera and his female passenger were taken into custody following a police chase. Cabrera was charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, fleeing and eluding, driving with a suspended license, and reckless driving, the Sun Sentinel reported.

He admitted using cocaine and heroin before Cusack arrived at his parked car, police say.

This story was originally published December 20, 2017 at 10:57 AM with the headline "Bodycam video shows suspect dragging Florida cop with car for more than half a mile."