Driver Drags Two Officers During a Routine Traffic Stop

A Routine Traffic Stop Quickly Turns Dangerous

What began as a traffic stop in Eustis, Florida, turned into a violent struggle when police say the driver refused repeated commands to get out of his vehicle. The incident happened early on August 1, 2026, after officers reportedly observed the vehicle driving erratically and crossing over the center line.

Officers Approach the Running Vehicle

According to the police report, officers approached the vehicle and ordered the driver to shut off the engine and exit. The driver, identified by authorities as 28-year-old Shakoi Donovan, reportedly told officers that the vehicle had an oil leak and a starting problem and could not be turned off.

As additional officers arrived, they attempted to physically remove him from the vehicle.

The Driver Suddenly Accelerates

The situation changed in seconds. Police say one officer grabbed the driver's arm while another attempted to assist. Donovan allegedly shifted the vehicle into drive, grabbed one officer by her body armor, and pressed the accelerator.

Body-camera footage captured the moment the vehicle began moving while officers were still beside and inside the car.

One Officer Is Trapped Inside

One of the officers became trapped partially inside the vehicle as it accelerated away. According to police, she was pinned between the driver and the steering wheel while the vehicle continued moving.

A second officer was also caught by the fleeing vehicle and was dragged approximately 10 to 15 feet before falling onto the roadway.

Both Officers Are Injured

The two officers were taken to a hospital following the incident. Police later said one officer had returned to work while the other was recovering from her injuries.

The incident also prompted a major search for the fleeing driver. Multiple law-enforcement agencies assisted in the effort to locate him.

The Suspect Is Eventually Apprehended

Authorities later identified Donovan and issued a search notice for him and the vehicle. After approximately 14 hours, he turned himself in, according to local reporting.

He subsequently faced multiple charges, including attempted murder of a law-enforcement officer, aggravated battery on a law-enforcement officer, aggravated fleeing and eluding with injury, and resisting an officer with violence. Those charges are allegations and would be resolved through the court process.

Bodycam Footage Captures the Critical Seconds

The released footage provides a close view of how quickly the traffic stop changed. Officers were initially dealing with a driver who would not exit the vehicle, but within moments they were being pulled along as the car accelerated away.

The incident shows how a seemingly routine traffic stop can become a serious emergency within seconds, leaving officers with almost no time to react.