An Atlanta-area police officer was dragged along and slammed against several vehicles after a suspect drove off with the officer hanging out of the car’s window after a routine traffic stop on Thursday.
Dunwoody Police Officer Nathan Daley pulled over 35-year-old Derric Simpson for allegedly operating a handheld device while driving. Simpson then put his 2019 Chevrolet Malibu into gear, and Daley hopped into the driver’s side window in attempt to prevent Simpson from fleeing.
Dashboard camera video from another police office’s vehicle captured the incident as it unfolded, showing Simpson driving away with Daley hanging from the window. Simpson then merged onto the I-285 Freeway, ramming Daley into several cars before the officer was eventually flung to the ground.
The suspect then attempted to flee on foot into a nearby forest but was detained by authorities.
Simpson is charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, aggravated battery, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, and trafficking ecstasy, according to the Dunwoody Police Department.
Daley was taken to a local hospital and treated for his injuries. He was released later that day and is expected to fully recover.
The officer posted a video to social media in his hospital gown with cuts on his face, calling the injuries “just a little nick-nack.”
“It does look as bad as it feels, but you know me, I will bounce back 10 times stronger,” Daley said. “I love you guys. Thank you so much for your support.”
“I accept donations in the form of sweets,” he then joked.
