Dashcam video shows deputy dragged by fleeing shoplifting suspect

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Dashcam video released by the Seminole County Sheriff's Office shows what Deputy Juan Pastrana went through as he tried to arrest Robert Pinos Wednesday night.

Pinos was suspected of stealing make-up and sunglasses from a Publix on Aloma Avenue.

Investigators said store employees saw Pinos stealing items from the store, but as he ran from the store he dropped his wallet.

"Certainly he didn't mean to leave any form of identification, and that's wasn't just bad planning, that was no planning on his part, and that obviously led us right to him," said Heather Smith of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.

Pastrana pulled Pinos over in the area of Tuskawilla Road and Gabriella Lane.

Just a few seconds after being pulled over, Pinos tried to fight off Pastrana.

Pinos climbed back into his car with the deputy still holding on, and hit the gas.
Pastrana was dragged 15-20 feet before falling from the open driver's side door.

"It does appear he was reaching for him, trying to keep him restrained and at the same time the driver was putting it in drive and beginning to pull away," said Smith.

Pinos then drove to his home, a short distance away, and hid inside the attic until deputies arrived, according to a police report.

The report stated that Pinos fell through the ceiling and landed on top of several items in the garage. According to the report when a deputy tried to handcuff Pinos there was another brief struggle.

"It really just goes to show how quickly a situation can change for a law enforcement officer," said Smith.

Pastrana, who was taken to the hospital with a minor head injury, was back on duty Thursday.

Pinos remains in the Seminole County Jail with no bond.

WFTV learned that Pinos had just been released from jail Wednesday after being held on drug charges.

WFTV