Rome City Police Officer suffers leg injury after fleeing suspect drags him for two blocks

ONEIDA COUNTY- A Rome City Police Officer suffered a lower leg injury after being dragged two blocks by a fleeing suspect.

On Sunday, it's reported that the police department issued a 'BOLO' for Lindell M. Reed, who authorities say had been using drugs and alcohol for several days, without sleeping, and was acting extremely erratic.

In previous alleged encounters, Reed had been combative with police officers and has been known to carry a knife, officials said.

A “Be On the Look Out” for Reed and the vehicle he was reported to be operating was immediately issued so police could conduct a welfare check.

At approximately 11:19 P.M. Reed drove to the Rome Police station and began talking with officers. While officers were talking with Reed, it was determined he was not fit to drive the vehicle he had arrived in.

Before officers could further assist Reed, he was able to get back into his vehicle. Officers attempted to remove Reed from the vehicle and prevent him from driving, but Reed was able to put the car into drive and fled the scene.

While Reed was fleeing south on N. James St., an officer became caught on the driver’s side door of the vehicle. The officer was dragged approximately two blocks while attempting to get Reed to stop the vehicle.

Reed made a turn at a high rate of speed ejecting the officer from the moving vehicle.

Reed continued to flee at a high rate of speed. Responding officers observed Reed’s excessive speed and erratic driving and decided it wasn’t safe to continue pursuing Reed’s vehicle, and called off the pursuit.

The officer was transported to Rome Health, by ambulance, with non-life-threatening injuries for a lower leg injury and other injuries. The officer is expected to make a full recovery.

Reed and his vehicle were located in the area of Beilby Road early Monday morning, where police officers were able to take Reed into custody without incident.

Reed was charged with felony assault in the second-degree on a Police Officer and was held for arraignment in Rome City Court before being remanded to Oneida County Jail on $10,000.

More charges are expected.

Image via Rome City Police Department.