Kidnap Suspect Allegedly Runs Over, Injures Officer

A Santa Monica police officer attempting to stop a reported kidnapping of a woman was injured Friday when a suspect ran him down and dragged him beneath a car in an alley, authorities said.

Two officers fired at the suspect and missed, said Lt. Frank Fabrega. The car crashed to a stop after dragging one of the officers about 15 feet. The officer, whose name was not released, was taken to a hospital and was in fair condition, Fabrega said. The woman escaped injury. The suspect was captured and faced several charges, including attempted murder.

Santa Monica Police Chief James Butts hurried to the scene behind an apartment house at 2110 4th St. shortly after the 4:05 p.m. incident. Butts said two officers were investigating a report of a woman being forced into a car behind the building when they discovered the suspect sitting in a sport-utility vehicle.

When they ordered him to come out, “the driver floored it and struck one of the officers and dragged him beneath the vehicle,” Butts said.

Nearby residents said they heard three gunshots followed by yelling as the second officer apparently opened fire. Butts said the second officer was able to detain the suspect until others raced to the scene.

Another man was hit by the vehicle. He was treated and released from a hospital. Police said they are considering him a witness.

Police did not identify the officers, the suspect or the woman.