Florida Deputy Dragged by Suspect

POLK COUNTY, Fla. --

A sheriff's sergeant was injured Monday after being dragged by a woman he was trying to apprehend.

Sgt. Bob Barnes of the Polk County Sheriff's Office set up a roadblock at the intersection of U.S. Alternate 27 and Lake Hatchineha Road to stop a vehicle that had been involved in a hit-and-run.

According to the affidavit, Barnes saw a car with front-end damage, approached the vehicle, and ordered the driver to get out of her car. After several demands, Barnes reached into the car to attempt to pull the woman out, but she pressed the gas and drove forward, sheriff's officials said.

Barnes was dragged for several feet before being thrown from the car and hitting his head on a parked patrol car, officials said.

The driver of the vehicle continued driving and hit Barnes' patrol car before coming to a stop after hitting a tree.

Monica Casanova, 24, was pulled from her car from the rear window because of the damage to her car.

Casanova has been charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence and possession of cannabis.

Casanova allegedly told deputies she had used cocaine and drunk vodka before driving, officials said. She could also be charged with DUI pending her blood-alcohol level test results.

Barnes suffered a dislocated shoulder, scrapes and bruises, but is expected to recover.

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