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\nA man accused of dragging a police officer while fleeing a traffic stop has been arrested.<\/p>\n
\nA man accused of dragging a police officer while fleeing a traffic stop has been arrested.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
As the officer approached the car, police said the driver, identified as 31-year-old Naqeeb Mufallah, quickly accelerated to flee the scene. <\/p>\n
Van Wert was dragged with the car and hit a light pole before falling to the ground, according to police.<\/p>\n
Mufallah was detained after a brief police chase following the incident.<\/p>\n
In an update Wednesday, police said Van Wert remains hospitalized in critical condition with “very serious injuries.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Van Wert has been with the Lexington police since August 2024. He graduated from the department\u2019s training program in March 2025.<\/p>\n
A police spokesperson said there were multiple officers at the scene who had their body camera video turned on. <\/p>\n
Lexington Police said the investigation remains ongoing. Mufallah is being held at the Fayette County Detention Center.
\nSource: WHAS11<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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