SandyMaloneChandler, AZ – A statewide manhunt is underway for a man who dragged one police officer with his car, and attempted to run over another, during a traffic stop on Monday.
Two patrol officers pulled over a vehicle for a traffic violation in the area of Arizona Avenue and Riggs Road at about 4:15 pm on Jan. 8.
Both passengers of the stopped vehicle had warrants, police said.
The female passenger was arrested without incident, but the driver of the car hit the gas and took off, dragging a police officer along with him.
Police said that 27-year-old Allen Pedro dragged the officer until he made a U-turn and lost the officer, but then drove directly at another police officer, before making his getaway into the desert.
Police told KNXV that at least one officer shot at the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle, but it was not known if the suspect was hit. It was also unclear whether the suspect shot at police officers before making his getaway.
Police followed Pedro onto the Gila River Indian Reservation, where they said he abandoned his car and took off on foot into the desert. He was last seen walking through the desert west of State Route 587, according to KSAZ.
Authorities used helicopters and dogs to search for Pedro but have not yet found the suspect.
KNXV reported that police went door-to-door on the reservation, even pulling some people out of their homes, in an effort to make sure Pedro had not taken refuge in a house nearby.
The police officer who was dragged was treated for road rash, but was fortunate to escape without other injuries, KSAZ reported. The other officer was not injured.
Chandler Police said Pedro was still at large on Tuesday morning. There is a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction, KNXV reported.
Arizona has issued a Blue Alert, meant to help police quickly arrest violent criminals who kill or seriously injure local, state or federal law enforcement officers.