A routine traffic stop in Eustis, Florida escalated dramatically over the weekend. Police reported that during the stop, suspect Shakoi Donovan, 28, sped away with an officer trapped in his car and dragged another officer down the road.
The incident occurred early Saturday morning. Eustis Police stated that during the traffic stop, Donovan drove away with one officer inside his vehicle and dragged another officer 10 to 15 feet.
Body Camera Footage
Footage from an officer’s body camera captured the chaotic scene. The video shows an officer on the ground after being dragged. Police had stopped Donovan on suspicion of driving under the influence, noting his car weaved over a yellow line on a local street.
Attempts to Remove Donovan
Two officers confronted Donovan and asked him to exit the vehicle. After he allegedly refused multiple requests, they opened the car door attempting to remove him physically while the engine was running.
Officers’ Ordeal
As the body camera footage shows, Donovan accelerated suddenly, trapping an officer inside. Another officer yelled, “He’s taking off, Eustis 77 is in the car!” The officer inside was pinned between Donovan and the steering wheel. The second officer was dragged along the road, tumbling across S. Eustis Street and sustaining injuries.
Suspect’s Legal History
Shakoi Donovan, currently in jail, faces multiple charges. These include attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated battery, and resisting with violence. Records show he has previously been arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and other charges in Lake County, Florida.
Donovan is set to appear in court on August 24.