Driver drags 2 with vehicle to flee police

12/6/2000

Toledo police are looking for a man who dragged a patrol officer and a woman with his vehicle yesterday while the officer was trying to arrest the woman.

Arrest warrants were issued for Clayton Jason Devol, 23, of 39 West Crawford Ave., charging him with felonious assault and obstructing official business.

Mr. Devol and Angela Decant, 24, of Lambertville, were stopped by police about 2 a.m. They pulled into a driveway at 1433 Lincoln Ave. for a minor traffic violation.

Mr. Devol got out and tried to walk away. When his passenger, Ms. Decant, reached under the seat, Officer Daniel Wagner got her out of the vehicle, and she tried to walk away.

As the officer stopped and handcuffed her, Mr. Devol allegedly jumped into the vehicle, started it, and put it into gear. Ms. Decant then tried to get back inside.

The vehicle began moving backward, knocking down Officer Wagner, his partner, Officer Richard Trevino, and Ms. Decant.

Officer Wagner's hand became entangled in a seat belt, and he and Ms. Decant were dragged a short distance, police said.

Officer Wagner then handcuffed Ms. Decant. Meanwhile, Officer Trevino chased the man in a pursuit that ended a few minutes later at Monroe Street and Upton Avenue because they could not catch the vehicle, police said.

Officer Wagner and Ms. Decant suffered minor injuries.

Ms. Decant was charged with assault and resisting arrest. She was released from the Lucas County jail after posting $500 bond.