HYDE PARK — A Chicago police officer conducting a traffic stop was dragged by a fleeing motorist late Friday on South Lake Shore Drive, police said.
An officer in the gang enforcement unit was conducting a traffic stop about 10:40 p.m. Friday in the 5200 block of South Lake Shore Drive when the driver decided to put his car back in gear and drive away, dragging the officer along with his vehicle, said Officer John Mirabelli, a police spokesman.
The officer's partner fired at the driver but missed, police said.
The injured officer was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital with knee and arm injuries, and has since been treated and released, Mirabelli said. His partner was also hit by the vehicle and suffered an arm injury but was not hospitalized.
Christopher Hartzol, 26, of the 8700 block of South Ridgeland Avenue, was charged with two counts of aggrevated battery to a police officer and cited for driving over the speed limit and negligent driving, Mirabelli said.
Hartzol's bond was set at $75,000 during a Saturday hearing.