Body camera video shows Florida officer dragged by vehicle

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. (FOX 13) - Shocking body camera video shows a Florida police officer clinging onto a speeding vehicle after a welfare check.

In Pembroke Pines, just after 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Officer Jon Cusack responded to 1110 SW 125 Avenue after security alerted the police agency of two individuals, who appeared to be sleeping or unconscious inside a parked vehicle. A clear bag with an unknown substance were also spotted inside the car.

When the officer arrived, he entered the vehicle to check on the occupants who remained unresponsive, police said. After being awakened, the male driver, later identified as Thomas Cabrera, placed the car into drive. Cusack reached inside to prevent Cabrera from leaving, but, at a high rate of speed, the suspect dragged the officer. 

Cusack held onto the vehicle for half a mile. Eventually, Cabrera slowed down when approaching the Century Village exit, and the officer let go of his grip and rolled away from the vehicle tires, police said. 

Cabrera led officers in a pursuit onto Interstate 75 and then Interstate 595. When he approached the area of State Road 7, the roadway became blocked with traffic. He was forced to stop and was taken into custody, along with the female passenger, according to a media release. 

Officer Cusack’s injuries are described as serious but not life threatening. He has been with the Pembroke Pines Police Department for 19 years. 

Cabrera has been charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, fleeing and eluding, driving with a suspended license, and reckless driving. Police say additional charges are forthcoming.