A woman was arrested in Pasco County after dragging a Hernando deputy with her car during a traffic stop on Tuesday.
The incident occurred at McKethan Road, south of Cortez Boulevard, almost to the Pasco County line.
According to the sheriff’s office, Deputy Tonya Shutt conducted a traffic stop around 3:37 p.m. on a grey GMC Sierra.
Deputy Shutt approached the vehicle on the driver’s side to speak with the driver.
Almost immediately, the driver began to flee from the stop, dragging the deputy for a short distance.
Deputy Shutt advised over the radio that the driver fled southbound toward Pasco County and that she had been dragged by the vehicle and was in need of medical attention.
Backup units and Fire Rescue were dispatched.
With assistance from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the driver was located moments later at a location in Pasco.
Deputy Shutt, 47, was taken to a hospital with injuries that are considered non-life threatening.
The driver, identified as Melissa Lloyd, 25, was arrested. Deputies say they found marijuana and methamphetamine in the GMC she was driving. She is charged with fleeing to elude, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrested with violence and felony DWLSR.
Deputy Shutt was treated at Bayfront Health Brooksville for her injuries She is now recovering at home.
