INDIAN SHORES, Fla. — Pinellas Sheriff’s detectives are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Indian Shores Tuesday morning.
Officials say the shooting, which took place shortly after 3:00 a.m., involved an Indian Shores Police officer near 19601 Gulf Boulevard.
Officer Matthew Holm received non-life threatening injuries as a result of being struck by a vehicle.
"That driver tried to kill him. He tried to run him over with his car," said Indian Shores Police Chief Terry Hughes.
Hughes said the officer noticed two vehicles speeding down Gulf Boulevard and conducted a traffic stop. According to the chief, the drivers were going more than 70 mph. The speed limit on that roadway is 30 mph.
"The officer thought they were drag racing. So he did what he is trained to do. This was supposed to be a routine traffic stop," said Hughes.
While Holm was questioning one of the drivers, the chief said the other driver hit the gas and drove straight at Holm, striking him once. While on the ground, Holm fired several shots at the suspect's car, but he did not stop.
Authorities released the name of the driver who they said tried to run over the police officer. The name of the driver is Stephan Weekley, 42, of St. Petersburg. He was driving a Mazda.
"Officer Holm is doing okay. He is home from the hospital. He has road rash and a lot of bruises. His shoulder also took a hit on the pavement. But he is a tough guy. He is a member of the Army National Guard and was deployed to Afghanistan. He'll be alright," said the chief.
The chief said Holm and his wife just had a baby.
Pinellas County deputies were called in to help with the search for Weekley, and take over the investigation.
Residents in the small community are rattled. Many said things like this do not happen. Randy Lod's family owns Beach Pizza Plus on Gulf Boulevard.
"This is just outrageous. We are family here. I just can't believe something like this would happen," said Lod.
Weekley was caught several blocks away from the initial scene. He was charged with attempted murder on a law enforcement officer. ABC Action News learned Weekley served time several years ago for assaulting a law enforcement officer.
The driver of the other vehicle was interviewed and released.
Chief Hughes says Holm is on paid administrative leave during the investigation.
ABC Action News learned the investigation continues.
