Two women, police say, were charged Monday with dragging a police officer with their SUV while allegedly trying to flee a mall after committing retail fraud, Troy (Michigan) police said. Detroiters Markayla Darvay Pruitt, 23, and Zetorria Frances Ellis, 21, were allegedly involved in retail fraud at the JCPenney store at Oakland Mall around 5:40 PM December 21.
As the women left the store, Troy police approached and the women ran to a 2008 black Saturn Vue in the parking lot. When one of the patrol officers attempted to apprehend the suspect sitting in the driver’s seat, the suspect drove off, ripping the door from the officer’s hand, police said.
As the vehicle accelerated, a second officer on the passenger side of the car became trapped and was dragged. The driver hit two parked vehicles with its passenger side, authorities said, striking the officer in the process.
The first police officer continued to pursue the suspect’s vehicle until it crashed head-on with a third vehicle. The driver continued to press the accelerator to try to get away. The pursuing officer drew his gun and ordered the woman to turn off the vehicle, police said… The Detroit News
