Cops: Angry motorist drags officer 20 feet

A Nassau County police officer was dragged across 20 feet of pavement Thursday as a driver, angry at getting a ticket, sped away from a traffic stop in Island Park, police said.

The Fourth Precinct officer was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated and released for cuts and bruises to his arms, shoulders and legs after somehow becoming caught on a 2005 Toyota, according to a new release.

William Quinn, 60, of 8 Hastings Rd. in Island Park, faces charges of assault, obstructing a police officer, resisting arrest and several traffic violations, police said.

Quinn was scheduled to be arraigned Friday at First District Court in Hempstead.

The officer stopped Quinn at Island Parkway and Southard Drive at about 3:52 p.m. because his car had excessive window tinting, the release said. After the officer handed Quinn a ticket, Quinn became agitated and "accelerated the vehicle."

The officer was dragged about 20 feet and then was eventually knocked to the ground, police said.

The officer got into his patrol car and followed Quinn, stopping him at Island Parkway and Suffolk Road.

Quinn then put his car in reverse, speeding off again and driving west on Island Parkway.

More police responded and Quinn eventually was stopped at Long Beach Road and Island Parkway.

The total distance driven, according to maps of the area, was about a mile.

"Quinn refused to be handcuffed, flailing his arms, and attempted to pull away from officers. He was eventually placed into custody," the release said.

According to the state Department of Motor Vehicles website, the front windshield and side windows on all vehicles -- and on some vehicles the rear side windows -- must allow 70 percent of light to shine through.

There is an exception for drivers who have medical reasons for tinted windows, the DMV website said.