Off-duty police officer dragged while trying to stop suspect from getting away

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — An off-duty police officer was taken on a short but wild ride while trying to stop a suspect from driving away.

She didn't want to talk on-camera, but the Butler Township officer told Channel 11 she suffered only minor cuts and scrapes after being dragged more than five feet.

Pennsylvania State Police said the 20-year-old Butler County man had no regard for the off-duty officer's life, as he took off out of a grassy area with the female cop hanging off the driver's side door, trying to stop him.

TRENDING NOW:

• Three medical helicopters called to scene of crash
• Tractor-trailer driver admits to using heroin, marijuana before crash
• Fire chief caught having sex with teenager in car suspended indefinitely
• VIDEO: Texas church reopens as memorial

Lee Rapsinski is charged with aggravated assault on law enforcement.

Troopers say he was parked at Dinnerbell and Whitaker roads in Jefferson Township Saturday afternoon when the passing, off-duty Butler Township officer noticed him fighting with another man.

Rapsinski had a knife, according to troopers.

The off-duty officer stopped, broke up the altercation and called Pennsylvania State Police.

But as they waited, investigators say Rapsinski  jumped in his car and took off as the officer reached in to grab for the keys to stop him.

He dragged her about five feet through brush and down a steep embankment.

Troopers eventually tracked the suspect down miles away at his house.

They recovered the knife and are trying to figure out what started this.

Rapsinski had a run-in with police early this year. In January, they charged him rape and sexual assault of a minor.

The off-duty officer is already back at work.

Cox Media Group