08/05/15 Sacramento, CA – Traffic Stop – A Man In The Area Jumps Into The Patrol Car And Dragged The Injured Officer – Carjack Charges

August 5, 2015

sacramento.cbslocal.com

Police say a man jumped into a drove off with an unmarked Sacramento Police patrol car late Tuesday night.

The incident happened in the Del Paso Heights area. According to the Sacramento Police Department, officers had pulled a car over just before 11:30 p.m. and were doing a probation search.

At some point during the search, a man in the area walked up, got in the officers’ car and started to drive away. One of the officers was able to run back and reach through the window to try and stop the suspect, but instead was dragged for a short distance before letting go.

Dispatchers using GPS helped officers quickly track down the stolen patrol car to a parking lot near Harris Avenue and Fell Street. The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Julio Ortega, was still at the scene and was arrested.

Police say Ortega has several warrants out for his arrest from the Bay Area. Due to the incident, he is facing resisting arrest and carjacking charges.

The officer who was dragged escaped with minor injuries, police say.