[naviga:img class="img-responsive" src="/Assets/news2015/0302DayDeAngelo.JPG" alt="Tyler DeAngelo"/]

Tyler DeAngelo

Groton — Officer Tyler DeAngelo, injured earlier this week when a man allegedly fled a traffic stop, has returned to duty, police announced Friday.

According to police, the incident occurred after DeAngelo pulled a car over for an equipment violation early Monday morning. After smelling weed, police said, officers asked operator Taj L. Dickerson to step outside the vehicle so they could perform a search.

Police said officers found crack cocaine as they searched the car. As officers prepared to arrest Dickerson, police said, Dickerson ran back toward his car. DeAngelo gave chase, struggling with Dickerson as Dickerson placed the car in drive.

According to police, Dickerson continued driving down state Route 1, with DeAngelo hanging partly out of the car, for almost a mile before DeAngelo managed to free himself and tumble to the ground.

Police said DeAngelo sustained abrasions, contusions and a laceration to the back of his head that required staples. He was treated at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital.

DeAngelo has not yet returned to regular patrol duties but is expected to once he has fully recovered.

“On behalf of Officer DeAngelo and the entire department, we appreciate the thoughtful sentiments of fellow law enforcement officers and the many well wishes shared by members of the public," Chief Louis J. Fusaro Jr. said in a news release. "We are all thankful that Officer DeAngelo did not suffer more extensive injuries and glad that he is returning to full duty.”

Dickerson, 22, of 239 Nautilus Drive, New London, was charged with interfering with a police officer, assault on a police officer, first-degree reckless endangerment, first-degree unlawful restraint, second-degree threatening, cruelty to animals, possession of marijuana, possession of crack cocaine, failure to have lit tail lamps, reckless driving and engaging police in pursuit.

He is due March 19 in New London Superior Court.