Durham police officer dragged by car after traffic stop; man arrested

Plainclothes officers were making a traffic stop at about 3:45 p.m. when Antonio Levon Turrentine, the driver of the stopped vehicle, drove away, dragging an officer about 100 yards, according to police.

The officer was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to police, a second officer was also taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Turrentine was quickly taken into custody in the parking lot of the Red Roof Inn at 4405 N.C. Highway 55, where police said he was staying. He faces 10 charges, including three counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and two counts of felony hit-and-run.

Raheem Royal, a hotel guest, said he heard a loud noise and a bunch of yelling.

"The next thing I know a whole bunch of officers were there and they started to put up warning tape...I didn't hear any gun shots, so I guessed I was safe," Royal said.

While police investigated, a nearby gas station and restaurant were closed for about 90 minutes.

Turrentine is expected to make his first court appearance Friday.