Tampa Police Officer Dragged 75 Feet After Truck Hits Police Vehicle

TAMPA, FL — A Tampa police officer is recovering from serious injuries after his police vehicle was struck by a Ford F-150 Saturday morning.

According to Tampa police, the officer was checking on a report of a person sleeping near the railroad tracks on Busch Boulevard near 15th Street. As the officer was returning to his police vehicle, it was struck the pickup truck, causing the officer to be dragged about 75 feet as he held onto the front of the police vehicle.

The officer was taken to the hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the truck, who was not injured, remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.

"The dangers inherent in the job of public servants are all too real," said Tampa Police Chief Bercaw. "I am thankful that this officer will recover from what could have been a fatal event, and return to protect and serve our community another day. The Tampa Police Department will provide all the support he and his family may need throughout his recuperation process."