Soquel man accused of driving drunk, dragging sheriff’s deputy 250 feet

A Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputy was dragged about 250 feet down a Ben Lomond road by a suspected drunken driver, authorities said.

Just before 1 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28, deputies spotted a car fail to make a complete stop at an intersection and then speed away. Deputies followed the car and conducted a traffic stop at West Lomond and Pine Street.

The driver, identified as Don Mitchell, was the only person in the car. Deputies saw empty alcoholic beverage containers on the floor of the car and believed Mitchell to be intoxicated.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Kelly Kent said that when Mitchell, 28, realized he was being investigated for drunken driving, he became uncooperative and struggled with deputies who tried to prevent him from driving off.

Mitchell started the vehicle and began to accelerate forward as the investigating deputy was caught in the car. The deputy was dragged approximately 250 feet down the street.

Mitchell attempted to steer the vehicle toward parked cars to knock the deputy off his car, but the deputy was able to free himself.

Mitchell crashed his vehicle a short distance later and was arrested and transported to the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center for his injuries.

Mitchell was later booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, battery against peace officer, obstructing a peace officer and probation violation. His bail was set at $25,000.

The deputy was treated at Dominican Hospital for his injuries and released.