Sheriff: Wayne Co. Deputy Fatally Shot Suspect as He Was Dragged

DETROIT (WJBK) -- A wild scene played out on Detroit's east side Monday as a Wayne County Sheriff's deputy shot and killed a drug suspect, who was dragging him down the street.

Wayne County deputies sealed off a block near Wayburn and East Outer Drive where we're told they witnessed a drug buy and moved in to make an arrest. However, things got crazy as they were about to tow away the suspect's car.

"The suspect jumped back into the car, took off. One of my deputies was next to the car. He attempted to stop him from taking the car, grabbed a hold of him and he was dragging him down the street," said Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon.

That deputy shouted for the suspect to stop as he was hanging onto the moving Chrysler 300. The suspect didn't listen and the sergeant pulled out his gun.

"He was being dragged down the street," Napoleon explained. "After several orders to stop, the deputy fired twice."

The sheriff said the suspect died instantly at the scene. The deputy, a veteran undercover narcotics officer, was rushed to the hospital in serious condition. He is expected to recover.

The sheriff told us no one could have anticipated the suspect's actions. He seemed to be cooperating until he made the sudden move.

"The process was almost over, and I guess something about seeing the car go on the tow truck must have really set him off and he decided he didn't want his car towed," Napoleon said.

Police said it appeared the deputy did what he had to do.