A routine traffic stop in Eustis, Florida, turned violent when police say Shakoi Donovan drove away with one officer trapped inside his vehicle. A second officer was allegedly dragged 10 to 15 feet along the roadway before tumbling across the asphalt. The incident occurred early Saturday morning and was captured in part on officer-worn body camera video. Donovan, 28, remains in jail while facing multiple charges, including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.
| 1) | Traffic stop begins after suspected impaired driving |
|---|---|
| 2) | Officers attempt to remove the driver |
| 3) | Vehicle leaves with officer trapped inside |
| 4) | Second officer is dragged and injured |
| 5) | Suspect faces serious criminal charges |
Traffic stop begins after suspected impaired driving
The incident began early Saturday morning in Eustis, a city in Lake County, Florida. Police said officers saw a silver Infiniti weaving over a yellow line on a local street, prompting the traffic stop. The officers suspected that the driver, identified as Shakoi Donovan, was operating the vehicle under the influence. Their initial objective was to investigate the driving behavior and determine whether Donovan could safely continue driving.
According to the police report, two officers approached the vehicle and repeatedly instructed Donovan to get out. The stop escalated when he allegedly did not comply while the engine remained running. Body camera footage documented portions of the encounter and the officers’ efforts to control the situation.
Officers attempt to remove the driver
Police said the officers opened the driver’s door and reached toward Donovan in an effort to physically remove him from the car. The attempt took place while the vehicle was still running, creating an immediate risk that the car could move before the officers had secured the driver or the vehicle.
The confrontation changed within seconds. One officer was positioned at the driver’s side as the officers tried to bring Donovan out of the vehicle. Investigators say Donovan then accelerated away rather than remaining at the scene or complying with the officers’ commands.
Vehicle leaves with officer trapped inside
Officer-worn body camera video shows Donovan driving away with one officer still inside the car. Police said the officer became pinned between Donovan and the steering wheel, leaving her trapped as the vehicle moved down the roadway. Another officer can be heard warning colleagues during the incident.
“He’s taking off Eustis 77 is in the car!”
The statement referred to the officer who remained inside the vehicle. The video and police account formed part of the evidence describing how the traffic stop developed into a dangerous vehicle-related assault.
Second officer is dragged and injured
A second officer was holding onto the vehicle when Donovan allegedly drove away. The police report said the officer was dragged approximately 10 to 15 feet along S. Eustis Street before being thrown onto the asphalt. The report described the officer tumbling and barrel rolling multiple times.
The officer’s fall was captured on camera. Police said he was treated for injuries after the incident. The available account does not provide a detailed medical assessment of either officer, but the footage and report show that both officers were exposed to significant danger as the vehicle departed.
Suspect faces serious criminal charges
Donovan was arrested and remained in jail as of Friday. Prosecutors have charged him with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting with violence, among other offenses. The allegations stem from the vehicle’s departure, the officer trapped inside and the second officer’s injuries.
Court records indicate Donovan has previous arrests in Lake County. They include an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon case in May and burglary and battery charges in 2022, along with other arrests. Those prior cases are separate from the current allegations. Donovan was scheduled to appear in court on August 24.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Police stopped a silver Infiniti after it allegedly crossed over a yellow line. |
| 2 | One officer was allegedly trapped inside the vehicle as it drove away. |
| 3 | A second officer was dragged an estimated 10 to 15 feet and injured. |
| 4 | Donovan faces attempted murder, aggravated battery and resisting charges. |
Summary
The Eustis traffic stop escalated after police said Donovan refused repeated commands to exit his running vehicle. His alleged decision to drive away placed one officer inside the car and dragged another along the road. The case now moves through the court system, where the charges and evidence will be addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the incident happen?
It happened during an early Saturday morning traffic stop in Eustis, Florida, on or near S. Eustis Street.
Why did police stop Donovan?
Police said officers saw a silver Infiniti weaving over a yellow line and suspected the driver was operating the vehicle under the influence.
What charges does Donovan face?
He faces charges including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting with violence, among other allegations.
When is Donovan due in court?
Court records indicated that Donovan was due to appear on August 24.