WATCH ABOVE: Authorities on Tuesday released video in a hit-and-run involving an Orlando police officer during a traffic stop.
TORONTO – Shocking footage has been released of an Orlando police officer getting run over by a suspect during what should have been a routine traffic stop.
Officer William Anderson pulled over a silver, four-door sedan around 2:45 a.m. Monday near a McDonald’s at the intersection of S Kirkman Road and Vineland Road.
The car appeared to already be inching forward as Anderson approached, gun drawn. Seconds later a young male burst out of the passenger side and ran.
The officer attempted to follow but was struck by the car — forcing him to slide over the hood and land in a heap on the road. He did manage to fire multiple shots as he fell.
“I am sick and tired of people running from the police, not complying with police officers orders,” Chief John Mina said in a Facebook post. “And certainly we are very upset that this individual tried to murder one of our police officers…and we will bring this person to justice.”
Soon after, a nearby driver came to Anderson’s aid and shielded him from traffic.
A 17-year-old male was later identified by police as the driver after the car was discovered burned and the windshield shattered. However, Global News has decided not to publish his identity due to his age.
He was arrested Tuesday and charged with attempted second-degree murder on a law enforcement officer and resisting officer with violence.
“Thank you to the citizen that blocked Officer Anderson’s body as he laid in the road after he was run over,” police offered in a statement. “His actions prevented Officer Anderson from being struck by another vehicle.”
Anderson remained in hospital Wednesday recovering from his injuries.
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