A man accused of dragging a police officer while fleeing a traffic stop has been arrested.
The Lexington Police Department said Officer Kevin Van Wert was seriously injured Tuesday night while conducting a traffic stop at the Meijer gas station on Ruccio Way.
As the officer approached the car, police said the driver, identified as 31-year-old Naqeeb Mufallah, quickly accelerated to flee the scene.
Van Wert was dragged with the car and hit a light pole before falling to the ground, according to police.
Mufallah was detained after a brief police chase following the incident.
In an update Wednesday, police said Van Wert remains hospitalized in critical condition with “very serious injuries.”
Mufallah has been charged with first-degree assault (police officer), wanton endangerment (police officer), criminal mischief, resisting arrest, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and leaving the scene of an accident/failing to render aid. He was also arrested on unrelated warrants.
Van Wert has been with the Lexington police since August 2024. He graduated from the department’s training program in March 2025.
A police spokesperson said there were multiple officers at the scene who had their body camera video turned on.
Lexington Police said the investigation remains ongoing. Mufallah is being held at the Fayette County Detention Center.
Source: WHAS11
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