A Bradenton police officer remained in intensive care with a traumatic brain injury after a suspect struck him and another officer with a vehicle early Sunday, Nov. 8, according to the Bradenton Police Department. The second officer was treated for a lower-body injury and later released from the hospital.
Police said the officers were dispatched shortly after 3:20 a.m. following a report that a man with a gun was harassing customers at the Wawa near First Street and Sixth Avenue East. Department public information officer Meredith Censullo said officers approached the man to speak with him and establish what was happening.
The suspect, identified by police as 35-year-old Dejerrian Murray, entered a vehicle and deliberately reversed into the officers at high speed, Censullo said. Both were knocked to the ground and seriously injured. Police identified the officer with the traumatic brain injury as a senior patrol officer.
Two other officers fired at Murray's vehicle during the encounter, according to the department. Murray then drove away, triggering a pursuit involving Bradenton police, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Highway Patrol. The chase headed toward the Sunshine Skyway Bridge before returning to Bradenton.
Police said the pursuit ended when Murray crashed near First Street and 10th Avenue West. He was taken to a hospital with injuries authorities described as not life-threatening. After being released from medical care, he was taken to the Manatee County jail.
Murray faces two counts of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon. His other charges include fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer at high speed or with wanton disregard, separate hit-and-run counts involving serious bodily injury and injury, reckless driving causing serious bodily injury, violation of probation and resisting arrest without violence.
His prior record includes charges of reckless driving, tampering with evidence, child neglect and cocaine possession. Censullo said Sunday's encounter initially appeared to be a routine service call involving customers and employees who felt threatened. She said officers intended to calm the situation and ensure everyone was safe.
Censullo said the department was providing support to the injured officers as well as the two who fired at Murray's vehicle. She described the small department as a family whose members support one another as they deal with the consequences of the incident.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is responding to investigate. Authorities said the investigation remains active and further information is expected as it becomes available.
