Police officer dragged as suspected impaired driver flees traffic stop, says RCMP

The RCMP says a police officer was dragged by an impaired driver who fled a traffic stop near New Harbour, N.L. on Sunday.

Officers stopped a car at the intersections of Routes 73 and 80, and reported a strong scent of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. After getting the driver's licence, the RCMP says the man was told to turn off his vehicle but refused.

It's alleged the 46-year-old man then took off, dragging the officer along with him.

"The officer was able to free himself and the vehicle continued to flee at a high rate of speed," reads a release from RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jolene Garland. "Another officer attempted to catch up to the car but it continued at a dangerous rate of speed. In the interest of public safety, the vehicle was not pursued."

Police caught up to the man in Blaketown, where they set up a roadblock and stopped the vehicle. He was arrested for impaired driving, flight from police, assaulting a police officer with a weapon, and dangerous driving.

The driver was taken to Carbonear General Hospital where a blood sample was taken to be analyzed to determine if impaired driving charges are required. He was released from custody on a number of conditions and a promise to appear in court at a later date.

The officer was also taken to hospital, treated and released.

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