Philadelphia police search for suspect after two officers injured during attempted arrest

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police are searching for a suspect accused of injuring two officers while fleeing an attempted arrest after a traffic stop Saturday evening in North Philadelphia.

Inspector D.F. Pace said the incident began around 4:55 p.m. when an officer from the city's 24th District stopped a vehicle for traffic violations.

After checking the vehicle information, officers learned the driver was wanted on outstanding warrants, prompting what police described as a felony vehicle stop. Additional officers, including a lieutenant, responded to assist with taking the suspect into custody.

According to police, officers made contact with the driver and had placed a handcuff on one of his wrists when he broke free and got back into the vehicle.

As officers attempted to stop him from fleeing, the suspect accelerated away, police said. One officer was struck by the vehicle and thrown to the ground, while a lieutenant also was thrown onto the roadway during the incident.

Both officers suffered road burns and abrasions and were expected to be treated and released, Pace said. He said neither officer appeared to have suffered broken bones.

The suspect fled the scene before officers could complete the arrest. Police said investigators have identified the man but are not releasing his name because the investigation remains active.

Authorities said the suspect drove away with a handcuff attached to one wrist, although it remains unclear whether the handcuff is still on him.