Chicago police officer hit, dragged by car

A man has been arrested and charged with striking a Chicago police officer with a car and dragging him after a traffic stop.

The Police Department’s media affairs office identified the suspect as 26-year-old Christopher Hartzol of the Calumet Heights neighborhood. He was charged Saturday with aggravated battery of a peace officer, speeding and negligent driving.

Spokesman John Mirabelli says the injured officer is a member of the gang enforcement unit and his injuries are not life threatening.

The officer stopped a vehicle on South Lake Shore Drive around 10:40 p.m. Friday. The driver then struck the officer with his vehicle and began dragging him.

The officer’s partner fired his weapon but did not hit anyone.

The driver then fled the scene.

The officer was treated at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.