An Alderson police officer was dragged almost 30 feet Monday after a routine traffic stop turned into a three-county chase, authorities said.
James Holcomb, 50, was arrested after leading police on a high speed pursuit through Greenbrier, Monroe and Summers counties, Alderson Police Chief J.M. Bennett said.
The pursuit started in the municipality of Alderson on the Monroe County side of the town. Officer Jacob Bostic initiated a routine traffic stop for reckless driving, police said.
Bostic had a conversation with the driver who was growing increasingly hostile, Bennett said. As Bostic was standing at the rear of the suspect's vehicle, the brake lights came on.
"He ran up to the driver side door and attempted to remove the keys from the ignition when the suspect grabbed the officer, attempted to pull him into the truck and took off. Bostic struggled free after 25 feet and ran back to his vehicle to give chase. He activated his lights, called in a pursuit and started after the suspect," Bennett explained.
The vehicle fled on W.Va. 3 West toward Summers County. After crossing the county line, the Summers County Sheriff's Department and West Virginia State Police joined in the chase.
Hinton Police assisted by blocking roadways and keeping other motorists from entering into the path of the pursuit, he added.
Police then deployed a spike strip across the roadway which shredded the suspect's tires as he traveled across it, police said.
An arrest was then made although Holcomb didn't go down without a fight, Bennett said.
"The suspect fought us every step of the way until we had him in custody," Bennett added. "Officer Bostic needs to be commended because he used extremely good judgment during the pursuit and used due regard for the safety of others."
"He did an extremely good job in maintaining his composure, I am proud of all the officers involved," Bennett added.
Holcomb was taken to a local hospital after complaining of chest pain and telling police he had taken a large amount of narcotics. However a toxicology report proved otherwise, Bennett said.
Holcomb is currently incarcerated at Southern Regional Jail as a pre-trial felon.
Copyright 2012 - The Register-Herald, Beckley, W.Va.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
