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LAKE WALES, Fla. (WFLA) — The Lake Wales Police Department has released video showing one of its officers and his K-9 partner getting dragged through a parking lot by a driver who officials said was fleeing arrest.
The officer spotted the suspect, Marlon Arrindell, 36, driving 30 mph over the speed limit on U.S. Highway 27 on Sunday, Aug. 31 and initiated a traffic stop, according to the police department.
Investigators said they also determined Arrindell was driving with a suspended license during the traffic stop.
Surveillance video showed Arrindell pulling into a Chevron gas station with the officer’s patrol car close behind. Once stopped, Arrindell got out of his vehicle and asked why he was being pulled over, according to police.
Authorities said the officer tried to handcuff Arrindell due to “indicators of (him) possibly fleeing,” but Arrindell fought back.
The officer released his K-9 partner “Bolo” to assist, but Arrindell managed to get back inside his car and started driving off, dragging the officer and Bolo through the parking lot, according to officials.
Multiple videos provided by the police department showed the incident from different angles.
A second officer was pulling into the gas station just as the suspect began driving off. The second officer’s body camera video captured the suspect driving off and leaving the injured officer laying in the parking lot.
Yelling could also be heard as the dragged officer called for help over his radio.
Other officers found Arrindell about a mile west on East Bay Boulevard. Body camera video showed officers chasing after Arrindell as he took off running. Authorities said Arrindell climbed a barbed-wire fence while trying to get away but sustained a severe leg injury in the process.
Arrindell was provided medical treatment before being booked into jail, police reported.
Arrindell faces multiples charges including driving with a suspended license, fleeing to elude, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence, injuring a police canine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The injured officer and K-9 Bolo have since been released from medical care and are recovering at home.
Officials provided photos showing some of the scrapes and bruises the officer sustained but said none of his injuries were serious. K-9 Bolo also suffered some scrapes on his paw and leg.