Elkhart County officer dragged by suspect's vehicle

ELKHART, Ind. – An Elkhart County Officer was injured after a suspected drunk driver attempted to flee -- dragging the officer for several feet.

At approximately 1:19 a.m. Saturday morning, an officer with the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department (ECSD) conducted a traffic stop on a suspected drunk driver in the area of Hively Avenue and Southdale Drive in Elkhart, Indiana.

The officer attempted to perform a field sobriety test when the driver allegedly fled from the officer on foot, resulting in the officer deploying a Conducted Electric Device (CEW) or taser at the subject but was unsuccessful, according to police.

A short while later, the subject re-entered his vehicle as the officer reached the driver’s side door.

Police say the officer was attempting to stop the subject from fleeing and was dragged for approximately 15 to 20 feet.

The officer was treated and released from Elkhart General Hospital for injuries to his shoulders, legs and head. 

The suspect fled the scene in his vehicle. Authorities have not released a description of the vehicle.

The ECSD is continuing its investigation into locating the suspect.

The driver has been identified by the ECSD as 27-year-old Derrick Woods.

Woods is believed to have fled to an unknown location in South Bend.

Anyone with information on his location is asked to contact the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department at 574-533-4151.