Louisiana man accused of dragging deputy across Walmart parking lot with car

LAPLACE, La. — A Louisiana man accused of shoplifting items from a Walmart dragged a sheriff’s deputy across the store’s parking lot in a car as he tried to flee, authorities said.

Joseph Ray Hollingsworth, 44, of Independence, was booked on several charges, including theft, resisting an officer, battery of a police officer, aggravated flight from an officer by vehicle and possession of a stolen firearm, according to a news release by the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office.

Saturday, officers working security at the Walmart were alerted about a man, later identified as Hollingworth, allegedly stealing items from the store, WVUE reported.

Deputies detained Hollingworth and put him in handcuffs, but he was able to get free and fled, NOLA.com reported.

Hollingsworth got into a vehicle and a deputy dived on top of him, the website reported. According to the Sheriff’s Office news release, Hollingsworth was able to start the vehicle and drove away, dragging the deputy alongside him.

Hollingsworth eventually crashed into a basket corral, and the deputy was able to put the vehicle in park, WVUE reported.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, a search of the car revealed a stolen handgun and plastic bags containing methamphetamine residue, NOLA.com reported.

In the news release, deputies said Hollingsworth had active warrants issued by the Walker Police Department and had a suspended driver’s license, according to WVUE.

Hollingsworth and the deputy were treated for minor injuries, the television station reported.

Hollingsworth is being held in lieu of $67,500 bail, according to arrest records.

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