Police Officer Dragged Along Road in Shocking Attack by Rogue Driver
Two officers on a routine patrol in Chafford Hundred found themselves in a dangerous showdown when a suspect tried to escape in a Vauxhall Corsa. It happened on 14 January after they stopped the uninsured car parked illegally on a grass verge in Merlin Close.
Driver Flees, Dragging Officer Along
When officers questioned the driver, Dayne Cooper, they noticed cannabis remnants and sports equipment in the car. As one officer opened the driver’s door to search the vehicle, Cooper suddenly sped off—dragging the officer along the ground by the door handle.
He then threatened to kill the officer and recklessly ran over his foot as the car jumped the kerb onto a grassy area. The officer tried to grab the steering wheel, causing the car to swerve wildly.
Violence Against Police and Dramatic Chase
The second officer tried to pull her colleague to safety, but the vehicle kept moving until it finally stopped. Cooper was hauled out but fiercely fought back.
In a brutal twist, Cooper punched the female officer in the head, knocking her down. She sprayed him with CS spray, but he bolted. She gave chase, tackling him as he tried to break into a nearby car and climb a gate.
Jailed for Violent Assault and Dangerous Driving
Cooper, 27, from Fenton Road, Chafford Hundred, was swiftly caught and charged with actual bodily harm, assaulting an emergency worker, dangerous driving, and failing to provide a specimen.
At Basildon Crown Court, he pleaded guilty and was jailed on 25 November. The court also handed down a driving ban for four years and eight months, plus £600 compensation and £200 costs.
PC Owen Clements of Grays CID said: “This was a horrific attack on colleagues who were just trying to do their job. Thankfully they were not seriously harmed but there could easily have been a very different outcome if that car had not stopped.”
