The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide/ADW Unit along with the Major Crash Unit is currently investigating an assault involving a black Nissan and a CMPD Motorcycle Unit Officer at W. Sugar Creek Road and Reagan Drive.

On Tuesday, July 29, 2014, at approximately 12:43 p.m., Officer Richard B. Starnes was assisting another motorcycle officer who had been flagged down by a citizen claiming to have just been assaulted.  The female victim pointed out the suspect vehicle to officers on scene.  Officer Starnes located the vehicle and made contact with the occupants.  During the encounter the occupants of the vehicle grabbed Officer Starnes and drove off, dragging him down the road.  The officer who was assisting Officer Starnes observed the incident occur and immediately began to follow and broadcast the suspect vehicle information.  Officer Starnes was able to free himself and the suspect vehicle continued to flee.  The assisting officer stopped to render aid to Officer Starnes.

Officer Starnes sustained a non-life threatening injury to his leg from the accident and was transported by Medic to Carolinas Medical Center for treatment.

A short time later an officer with the Surveillance Unit observed the wanted suspect vehicle and immediately began to request additional units.  The Aviation Unit then assisted in following the suspect vehicle until additional units could respond and conduct a traffic stop.  Multiple division units, along with a K-9 Unit, responded to N. Hoskins Road where they conducted a felony traffic stop.  Five occupants were detained without further incident and transported to police headquarters where they are currently being interviewed by detectives.

This incident is currently under active investigation.  Any additional information will be released by the Public Affairs Unit.