Driver Held After Allegedly Dragging Officer Beside Car

A Los Angeles man is in custody on suspicion of attempted murder after he allegedly dragged a Gardena police officer alongside his car.

Keith Washington, 37, was driving a car similar to one sought in a burglary, Gardena Police Lt. Ron Panter said, when he was pulled over by the officer about 1:30 a.m. After questioning Washington, police learned that there was a felony assault warrant for his arrest, Panter said. The car, however, was not stolen.

When Washington attempted to start his car, the officer, whose name was not released, reached into the car and tried to pull the keys out of the ignition, Panter said. Washington grabbed the officer’s arm and drove off. The officer was dragged about 70 yards as he fired several rounds. One shot hit Washington in the head, Panter said.

Washington was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to Martin Luther King/Drew Medical Center, where he was in stable condition. The officer had cuts on his arms and was treated at a hospital and released.