OFFICER DRAGGED BY MOTORIST

PONOKA -- A local Mountie was dragged a short distance by a motorist's
vehicle on Monday while trying to make an arrest, according to police.

RCMP say one of their members stopped a driver in Ponoka for speeding
at about 11 p.m.

After speaking with him, the officer searched the vehicle and found
some marijuana, a police news release said.

A struggle ensued when the Mountie tried to arrest the man. The
motorist started to drive away, dragging the officer with him.

Police chased the vehicle and stopped it a few kilometres south of
town.

The officer was treated for minor injuries in hospital and
released.

Police have not released the name of the driver, but they say he is a
24-year-old man from Kelowna, B.C.

He has been charged with flight from police, dangerous driving,
resisting arrest, assaulting a peace officer, assault with a weapon,
failing to comply with a recognizance and possession of marijuana. He
apparently has not been charged with speeding.