Driver shot after dragging police officer

The incident apparently began about 11 p.m. when two patrolling officers saw a Jeep and two people apparently engaged in a drug transaction on East Church Street at Edgar Street. One officer detained a person standing outside the Jeep, while the other attempted to detain the driver, Ernest Bryant Matthews (photo).

Ernest Bryant Matthews, 22, of York, was shot "in the lower extremities" after he allegedly drove off while an officer attempting to arrest him was partially inside the vehicle, according to a statement issued Saturday by Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Tom Pinkerton.

The officer, who was not identified in the statement, suffered moderate injuries, including cuts and bruises to his head and other parts of his body. He fell out of the 2008 Jeep Liberty after shooting Matthews once in an attempt to protect himself from death or serious injury, Pinkerton said.

Matthews fled after the officer fell from the Jeep.

After the incident, the officer was taken to York Hospital for treatment. Matthews soon arrived at the same hospital, seeking treatment for his gunshot wound. He was immediately taken into custody by York police, who were already there.

Pinkerton said Matthews is now being guarded in his hospital room by troopers. He faces charges, including attempted criminal homicide.

ORIGINAL SOURCE