Suspect accused of dragging officer while fleeing traffic stop in DeLand

DeLAND, Fla. — Authorities have arrested a man accused of dragging a DeLand police officer during a traffic stop that spiraled out of control earlier this week.

Authorities said Antonio Cardenas was talking with a prostitute near South Woodland Boulevard and Firehouse Drive and then drove off when he saw police.

Officers said Cardenas blew through a stop sign, so they pulled him over nearby and asked for identification.

Officers said they immediately noticed prescription medications in the car that didn't belong to Cardenas, as well as a syringe.

The officers said they discovered Cardenas gave them a fake name initially but later gave them his real name and admitted he didn't have a license.

Hearing that officers were about to put him in handcuffs, Cardenas then stepped on the gas, dragging one of the officers as he fled.

Another officer somehow managed to jump into Cardenas' vehicle, and was able to shoot Cardenas with a Taser and eventually pull the vehicle over.

Once arrested, Cardenas can be heard saying, "Come on man, that was stupid. I'm so sorry, y'all."

"You're lucky he didn't shoot you," one of the officers told Cardenas. "I probably would have shot you if I had of got my gun out."

Cardenas has been charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, aggravated battery, grand theft, and numerous other charges. He's being held in the Volusia County Branch Jail.

WFTV