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Driver arrested after Stuart officer dragged

Posted at 7:14 AM, Apr 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-15 11:11:16-04

A motorcyclist faces multiple charges including driving under the influence and battery on a law enforcement officer after Stuart police said a sergeant was dragged during a Wednesday chase.

On Wednesday, the sergeant was traveling northbound on US Highway 1 when he spotted a motorcycle approaching him from behind traveling at a high rate of speed.

Police estimated that the motorcyclist, identified as Richard A. Dargan, was traveling above 75 mph in a 30 mph zone.

The sergeant attempted to pull over the motorcycle.  Police said it slowed down and finally came to a stop at the intersection of U.S. 1 and NW Baker Road.

When the sergeant got out of patrol car and approached Dargan, police said he began to drive away.

The sergeant said he attempted to remove the man off of the motorcycle to prevent him from fleeing.

However, Dargan continued to drive away and the sergeant was dragged about 10 feet. Other Stuart officers arrived on scene and began to pursue the fleeing suspect.

Stuart police said the chase ended in the area of Longhorn Steakhouse in Jensen Beach.

Dargan was shocked with a stun gun after police said he refused to comply with officers.

He was arrested and charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, driving under the influence of alcohol (he registered nearly twice the legal limit of .08), fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer, and reckless driving.

Dargan  was taken to the Martin County Jail and held on an $11,400 bond.

Police said no one was seriously injured during this incident.