Philadelphia police locate Tesla used to drag officer 200 feet near Charles Street in Wissinoming

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A Tesla driver is accused of dragging a Philadelphia police officer 100 feet in both directions during a traffic stop and then taking off Monday night.

The Tesla has since been located. Video from the Action Cam and Chopper 6 showed the vehicle in the police impound lot in Hunting Park on Tuesday morning.

It happened around 9:30 p.m. in the 5400 block of Charles Street near Cheltenham Street in the city’s Wissinoming neighborhood.

Authorities say the officer had pulled over the Tesla driver and was conducting a vehicle investigation for traffic violations.

Police say the officer saw a handgun on the floorboard of the Tesla while talking to the driver.

The officer reached in to grab the gun and that’s when we’re told the driver suddenly reversed, dragging the officer about 100 feet.

But the driver didn’t stop there.

“The officer was still holding on for his life and that’s when the driver put the Tesla in drive and then drug this same officer 100 feet forward. When they got back to the intersection of Cheltenham and Charles, the driver actually kicked the officer forcing him out of the car where the officer landed on the street,” Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said.

Action News was on the scene as the officer was being placed onto the gurney. He appeared to be awake and talking before being taken to an area hospital.

We’re told the officer has some scrapes and bruises, and is complaining of pain to his ribs and legs, but is expected to be OK.

“We’re really, really lucky because he was clearly dragged about 200 feet backward and forward before being forced out of this vehicle,” Small said.

The hit-and-run driver was last seen traveling eastbound on Cheltenham Avenue. We have learned police have the person’s last known address and that the officer clearly saw the driver’s face.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 215-686-TIPS.

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