Philadelphia

Tesla driver accused of dragging Philly officer 200 feet surrenders to police

The Philadelphia police officer suffered injuries to his ribs and legs as well as multiple scrapes and bruises

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A driver accused by Philadelphia police of dragging an officer 200 feet and then kicking him off his Tesla surrendered to face charges.

Eddy Brito-Almonte is charged with aggravated assault, violation of the uniform firearms act, simple assault, fleeing police and other related offenses.

Police issued an arrest warrant for the 20-year-old on Tuesday. He turned himself into police around 11 p.m. Tuesday, police said. The warrant was canceled a short time later.

It wasn't immediately clear if Brito-Almonte had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

Highway patrol officers conducted a traffic stop on Brito-Almonte for alleged traffic violations Monday at 9:42 p.m. at Charles Street and Cheltenham Avenue, according to police. 

The officers then spotted a handgun on the floorboard of his vehicle, investigators said. When one of the officers reached in to retrieve the gun, Brito-Almonte went in reverse, dragging the officer about 100 feet, according to police.

Brito-Almonte then allegedly went in drive and dragged the officer another 100 feet forward before kicking the officer off of the vehicle and fleeing the scene. 

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The officer suffered injuries to his ribs and legs as well as multiple scrapes and bruises. He was listed in stable condition at the hospital. 

On Tuesday morning, police found Brito-Almonte's grey Tesla Model 3 near 8th and Cumberland streets in North Philadelphia and towed the vehicle, investigators said.

The grey Tesla that police believe was involved in this incident.
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