TROY, Mich. (WWJ) -- Two women from Detroit are facing a number of charges after dragging a Troy police officer with their vehicle in the parking lot of the JCPenney at the Oakland Mall.
Troy police say they were called to the store at 14 Mile and John R just before 6 p.m. on Dec. 21 on the report of two women suspected of retail fraud. Police say as the two suspects -- identified as Markayla Darvay Pruitt, 23, and Zetorria Frances Ellis, 21, according to multiple reports -- walked out of the store, officers approached them and the women began to run through the parking lot.
As they entered their black 2008 Saturn Vue, one of the officers moved his patrol vehicle behind the Saturn with the emergency lights activated. That officer approached the passenger side of the vehicle, attempting to apprehend Ellis, sitting on the passenger side, while another officer approached the driver's side to apprehend Pruitt.
Pruitt then put the vehicle into drive and accelerated forward, ripping the door from the officer's hand, police said. As the vehicle began to speed forward, the officer on the passenger side was partially stuck inside the vehicle and was dragged on the ground.
The drive twice slammed into parked vehicles, striking the officer with the passenger door, as he was still partially stuck inside the vehicle. Authorities say the second officer continued to pursue the vehicle until it crashed head-on with a third vehicle.
Pruitt continued to press the accelerator in an attempt to drive away, until the pursing officer drew his gun and ordered her to turn off the vehicle.
Both suspects were arrested and have each been charged with first-degree retail fraud; assault/resisting/obstructing a police officer, causing injury; and assault with a dangerous weapon.
The injured officer was taken to the hospital and treated for his injuries, and Troy police say on Twitter he is recovering.
