HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — A deputy was transported to an area hospital after getting dragged several feet by a driver that sped off during a traffic stop, deputies say.
The Hernando County Sheriff's Office says that Deputy Tonya Shutt conducted a traffic stop on a gray GMC Sierra on McKethan Road, south of Cortez Boulevard, almost to the Pasco County Line at 3:27 p.m. Tuesday.
HCSO says that Deputy Shutt approached the vehicle, on the driver’s side, to speak with the driver and obtain a driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Almost immediately, at 3:28 p.m., the driver, later identified as Melissa Elaine Lloyd, 25, began to flee from the stop, dragging Deputy Shutt for a short time and distance.
Deputy Shutt advised over the radio that the driver fled, southbound toward Pasco County, that she was dragged by the suspect vehicle, and was in need of medical attention. Backup units and Fire Rescue were dispatched immediately, according to HCSO.
With assistance from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the vehicle and driver were located moments later outside a convenience store a few miles down the road.
Deputy Shutt, 48, was transported to a local hospital with injuries that are considered non-life-threatening.
Arrest records show Lloyd has been in and out of both the Pasco and Hernando County Jails multiple times. Records also show Lloyd is currently on felony probation.
Lloyd was arrested in Pasco County and charged with:
• Fleeing to Elude
• Aggravated Battery on a LEO
• Resisting Arrest w/Violence
• Felony DWLSR
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
