Iowa Officer Dragged, Run Over During Traffic Stop

DES MOINES, Iowa --

Police said an officer was injured after she was hit by a driver who left the scene Thursday evening.

Investigators said Sgt. Larina Blad had stopped a driver on suspicion of speeding near the intersection of Fifth and Ovid avenues.

Police said that the driver sped away and ran over Blad with a rear tire, then dragged her for about a half-block. The car later sped away.

"He started to take off. She tried to prevent him from taking off and in trying to do that, she was dragged by the car," said Sgt. Misti Allison.

Blad was unable to get up, but was able to give dispatchers some critical information.

"She was able to give dispatch the plate number and description of the vehicle," said Allison.

Police said the driver was arrested a short time later near the 1600 block of Eighth Street. Officers said the driver had run through the front door of an apartment, but was captured while trying to escape out a back window.

He was identified as Irving Cartagena, 24. He faces charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, driving while barred and not having insurance. Other charges against him are pending, police said.

Police said his blood alcohol level was 0.173, which is two times the legal limit of 0.08.

Blad was taken to a hospital as police interviewed witnesses.

"She was hurting," said Sherri Wallukait, who said she didn't see the incident, but did see the commotion afterward. "I ran and I went down to her and she's laying there and I was rubbing her hair and asking if she's OK and she's asking, 'Call my kids. Call my husband.'"

Blad was treated and released from Methodist Medical Center at noon on Friday. Police said Blad wanted to thank everyone who helped her.

Blad works in the Neighborhood Based Service Delivery Unit and has worked for the Des Moines Police Department for 18 years.

Cartagena is being held at the Polk County Jail on $22,000 bond.