Driver Drags Salem Officer While Attempting to Flee Drug Arrest

A Lawrence, Mass. man dragged a Salem officer several feet with his vehicle early Monday morning in an attempt to flee a drug arrest, according to police.

Jordan Depina, 20, was charged with second degree assault (felony), possession of controlled drug (felony), reckless conduct (felony), simple assault, possession of marijuana and resisting arrest.

According to police, the incident took place at approximately 12:49 a.m. after Officer Michael Massahos observed a vehicle traveling southbound on Route 28 near the Massachusetts state line with no headlights.

Massahos stopped the vehicle in the parking lot of Pep Boys, at which point he identified Depina as the driver and determined that he had a quantity of marijuana in his possession.

Depina fled on foot when Massahos attempted to take him into custody. He circled the officer around Pep Boys, running back to his vehicle, which was still running.

Massahos was dragged after he became partially stuck inside the vehicle while Depina was attempting to drive away.

The officer was able to get his hand on the gear shift and get the vehicle into park.

Massahos then had to deploy his Taser on Depina, which had limited effect. After a brief struggle, he was able to get Depina out of the vehicle and into custody, just as back-up officers were arriving.

Two other male passengers were also in the vehicle at the time of the initial motor vehicle stop. Both fled the scene during the initial foot pursuit.

Massahos sustained minor injuries and a hazardous material exposure. He was treated and released from Parkland Medical Center.

Depina was also treated and released from Parkland Medical Center. He refused the services of a bail commissioner and was transported to Rockingham County Jail to await arraignment.

Depina was arraigned on Monday and held on $15,000 cash bail.

Police said that the investigation into the contents of the vehicle will continue. The vehicle had a quantity of controlled drugs in plain view and along with several purses and a large amount of loose change.