FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF)- A Fort Worth Police officer was critically injured after being dragged underneath a stolen vehicle.
Officer Mather Brazeal, a 3 year veteran of the Fort Worth Police Department, positioned himself on the outside shoulder of West Loop 820 to deploy stop sticks in an attempt to stop the suspect. Police say upon approaching Officer Brazeal the suspect quickly swerved from the roadway toward him, and struck him.
Police say Brazeal attempted to get out of the way but it was too late. “He was struck with such force that the equipment from his gun belt was ripped form his body and scattered throughout the ditch along the freeway as he was caught beneath the vehicle,” said Officer Jimmy Pollozani.
Pollozani said the suspect continued dragging Officer Brazeal beneath the vehicle until he was finally dislodged as the suspect continued to flee along the service road.
“Officers at the scene immediately rushed to Officer Brazeal’s aid. It was apparent that his injuries were immediately life-threatening and MedStar and CareFlight quickly came to help,” he said.
Officer Brazeal was flown to JPS Hospital where he underwent extensive surgery and was placed in the Intensive Care Unit. As of this date, Officer Brazeal is in stable condition’ however, he is fighting very hard to recover and he has a long road ahead of him.
“Without the immediate assistance of his fellow officers, MedStar, CareFlight, and JPS Hospital, Officer Brazeal would almost certainly not be with us today.His family, community, medical staff, FW Police Officers’ Association, FW Fire Department and our department have been incredibly supportive. We pray for Officer Brazeal’s speedy recovery,” the Police Department said in a Facebook Post.
If you would like to assist Officer Brazeal and his family, you can make a donation here.
As for the suspect, 38-year-old Ronnie Jackson Jr., he was charged with attempted criminal capital murder, evading arrest and auto theft.
