A routine traffic stop in Eustis, Florida, escalated into a violent encounter when a suspect allegedly drove away with an officer trapped inside his vehicle and dragged another officer for approximately 10 to 15 feet. The incident occurred early Saturday morning.
Authorities state that officers initiated the stop on Shakoi Donovan, 28, on suspicion of driving under the influence after observing his silver Infiniti weaving over a yellow line. When Donovan reportedly did not comply with officers' commands to exit the vehicle, they attempted to remove him manually. At this point, Donovan allegedly accelerated, driving away with one officer partially inside the driver's side.
Bodycam footage captured the moment the vehicle sped off, with one officer heard exclaiming, "He's taking off Eustis 77 is in the car!" The officer trapped inside was reportedly pinned between the suspect and the steering wheel. The second officer, who was holding onto the vehicle, was dragged down the asphalt, tumbling multiple times, as documented by another officer's bodycam video.
The second officer was treated for injuries sustained during the drag. The full extent of the first officer's injuries was not immediately detailed.
Donovan faces a slate of serious charges, including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, and resisting arrest with violence. Court records indicate that this is not Donovan's first encounter with law enforcement. He has prior arrests for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in May and burglary and battery charges in 2022, among other offenses in Lake County, Florida.
Donovan was in jail as of Friday and is scheduled to appear in court on August 24.