Deputy fires gun while being dragged by car during traffic stop, NC sheriff says

A driver accused of dragging a North Carolina deputy along the pavement has been captured after a search that lasted through the night in Mecklenburg County, investigators say.

The deputy fired his gun during the struggle, but missed 33-year-old Corey Allen Leazer, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Leazer was captured “in the early morning hours” Sunday, Jan. 21, and treated for exposure to the cold, officials said.

Investigators have not released the deputy’s identity or details of any injuries.

The traffic stop happened Saturday, Jan. 20, at a gas station in the 800 block of Oakridge Farm Highway near Mooresville, the sheriff’s office said.

“During the stop, the driver of the vehicle ... attempted to get away from the deputy by pulling away from the deputy and getting back into his vehicle,” officials said.

“As the deputy tried to pull Leazer out of the vehicle, Leazer placed the vehicle in drive, dragging the deputy about 15-20 feet. The deputy fired his weapon but did not appear to hit the suspect.”

The deputy was able to get back in his patrol car and chase the vehicle, but ended the pursuit in Rowan County when the suspect began to endanger other drivers, officials said.

Leazer’s vehicle was found “a short time later inside Mecklenburg County” and a perimeter was established to track him down.

Iredell County and Mecklenburg County deputies searched through the night and Leazer was captured in the early morning, officials said.

“Due to exposure to the weather conditions, Leazer was treated by EMS and taken to a local medical facility,” officials said.

Temperatures fell into the teens during the search.

Leazer has been charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer, felony flee to elude, resisting arrest, obstructing and delaying a law enforcement officer “and several driving-related charges,” officials said.

He is being held without bond “due to Leazer being out on bond for prior charges,” officials said.

This story was originally published January 21, 2024 at 7:13 AM.