Man arrested after traffic stop leaves LPD officer in critical condition, police report

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 News Now) –

UPDATE: April 15 at 10 a.m.

During a press conference on Wednesday morning, Lexington police, along with Mayor Linda Gorton, provided an update after a traffic stop left an officer with “very serious injuries” on Tuesday night.

Chief Lawrence Weathers reported that the officer, identified as Officer Kevin Van Wert, conducted a traffic stop at a gas station on Ruccio Way. Upon contact, the driver reportedly accelerated, dragging Van Wert into a pole and onto the ground.

Chief Weathers added that Officer Van Wert is currently in “critical condition.”

UPDATE: April 15 at 6:20 a.m.

A man has been arrested after a traffic stop left a Lexington Police Officer with serious injuries on Tuesday night, according to police.

Lexington police say that 31-year-old Naqeeb Mufallah has been charged with first-degree assault of a police officer, first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer, first-degree criminal mischief, resisting arrest, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, first-degree fleeing or evading police, and leaving the scene of an accident/failure to render aid/assist with death or serious physical injury.

Police say that he is booked in the Fayette County Detention Center.

Original Story:

A Lexington Police officer is with “serious injuries” after being dragged by a vehicle during a Tuesday night traffic stop on Ruccio Way.

According to LPD, an officer attempted to make a traffic stop at the Meijer Gas Station just before 11 p.m.

“As the officer made contact with the vehicle, the driver fled, dragging the officer,” the department said on social media. “After a brief pursuit, the suspect was taken into custody.”

That officer was transported with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries to a local hospital. The incident remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. More information will be added as it becomes available.