Driver drags officer with car before causing multi-vehicle crash in Neptune Beach, police say

It started as an argument over feeding stray cats and ended with a man in jail.

Police identified the driver who ran from officers and caused a multi-vehicle crash at the Beaches Town Center in Neptune Beach late Friday night and early Saturday morning, as Willie Davis,29, of St. Marys, Georgia.

Police said they responded to 1201 Atlantic Blvd. in reference to a disturbance that occurred at 2201 Florida Boulevard.

The report said a woman told police she was feeding stray cats when the suspect pointed and yelled at her in a threatening manner.

STORY: Florida Highway Patrol investigates crash involving multiple vehicles and an officer

The woman called police and said the man was not letting her leave. She told police he eventually left the scene and she followed him until he pulled into the Whataburger on Atlantic Blvd.

Police said the woman flagged them down in the Winn-Dixie parking lot.

As officers approached the suspect’s vehicle, Davis put the car in drive and started to move forward, according to the report.

The report said two officers pulled out their guns and gave verbal commands to stop the vehicle. Police said Davis then put the vehicle in reverse, but another vehicle blocked his path.

Police said Davis eventually complied with their commands. Officers were in the process of placing Davis in handcuffs when he let off the brakes and pressed on the gas aggressively, the report said.

Investigators said an officer was dragged by the vehicle for a short distance before he was able to let go, bruising his knee and cutting his wrist in the process. He’s expected to be OK.

The suspect then drove several blocks before crashing at the town center. The driver and a passenger were critically injured.

Police said they were never able to pursue the suspect’s vehicle because it was already out of sight.

Action News Jax reached out to the police department to figure out its pursuit policy.

The agency said the pursuit would’ve been justifiable because Davis was accused of committing a violent felony.

The investigation was handed over to the Florida Highway Patrol. Action News Jax requested a copy of the crash report, but we’re still waiting to get it.

Investigators said toxicology results are pending.

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