A routine traffic incident in Eustis, Florida, quickly turned violent over the weekend when suspect Shakoi Donovan, 28, sped away with officers trapped by his vehicle. The incident occurred during a traffic stop early on Saturday morning.
Officers from the Eustis Police Department initiated the stop after observing a silver Infiniti weaving erratically over a yellow line. Suspecting that Donovan was under the influence, two officers approached his car and instructed him to exit the vehicle.
Despite multiple requests, Donovan allegedly refused to comply. Officers then opened the driver’s door and attempted to remove Donovan from the running vehicle. At this point, Donovan accelerated with an officer pinned inside the car and another holding onto the vehicle.
Body camera footage from law enforcement captured the chaotic events. An officer yelled, “He’s taking off, Eustis 77 is in the car!” as Donovan drove away, trapping an officer between himself and the steering wheel.
The second officer was dragged approximately 10 to 15 feet along S. Eustis Street before rolling across the asphalt. This was captured on camera, and the officer received treatment for his injuries.
The suspect, Shakoi Donovan, is currently held in jail, facing charges including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated battery on an officer, and resisting arrest with violence. Court records reveal Donovan’s criminal history, which includes prior arrests for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, and battery in Lake County, Florida.
Donovan’s court date is scheduled for August 24.