Man Charged For Allegedly Dragging State Trooper Behind Vehicle
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4)- A Fort Collins man is facing a list of charges after he allegedly assaulted a Colorado State Trooper.
Trooper Dan Thompson stopped Juan Alvarez, 42, at about 8 p.m. Tuesday near North College Avenue and Willox Lane. While Thompson was standing at the driver's window of the vehicle, Alvarez suddenly put the car in gear and began to speed off.
Thompson grabbed Alvarez's arm and was dragged approximately 30 feet. As the vehicle approached a brick wall, Thompson let go and fell to the ground.
The vehicle was later found abandoned in a ditch near Willox Lane and Shields Street. Alvarez had run away from the vehicle. Officers used police dogs to help track him down. He was found hiding in the 200 block of Highway 287.
Thompson was taken to Poudre Valley Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries. Alvarez was not injured.
Alvarez faces several charges, including first degree assault, vehicular eluding, driving under the influence, reckless driving and speeding. He remains in the Larimer County Jail on a $60,000 bond.
The Colorado State Patrol issued this statement, "We are pleased that Trooper Thompson sustained only minor injuries as a result of this incident. Though last night's events could have ended much differently, this incident highlights the potential dangers all officers can face in the line of duty."
