A Tacoma police officer dragged by a driver during a traffic stop late Monday was placed on administrative leave because he fired his gun several times to free himself, officials said Tuesday.
The incident occurred about 9:50 p.m. in the 8200 block of East F Street.
The officer, whom the Police Department did not yet identify, stopped a vehicle in connection with a domestic violence warrant. The man behind the wheel allegedly refused to obey commands and appeared to have drugs in his lap, police said.
The man grabbed the officer and began to drive away, holding the officer against the vehicle and dragging him, police said.
Fearing for his life, the officer fired several rounds and was dropped to the ground as the man sped away, police said. The officer was not seriously injured.
Police searched the area but did not find the man or his vehicle. It was unclear whether the driver was hit by any of the rounds.
The officer was placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure after a police shooting.
stacia.glenn@ thenewstribune.com
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