STANLY COUNTY, N.C. -- A Norwood Police detective who was assaulted and pulled into a moving car Friday night has been released from the hospital. 

  • Detective Hodgson tried to pull over Timothy Robinson for a defective headlight
  • Hodgson was pulled into the car with legs dangling while the driver went speeding down the highway
  • Robinson is facing several charges         

According to a Facebook post, town administrator John Mullis says detective Michael Hodgson tried to pull 45-year-old Timothy Robinson over for a defective headlight.

He was pulled into the car as Robinson took off going an estimated 80 mph with the door open and Detective Hodgson's legs dangling outside of the car. Once he was able to get inside, he and Robinson fought while the car was still moving toward a bridge. As the suspect attempted to drive off, he said they would 'both die tonight.'          

The detective was able to steer the car, keeping it on the road. Once they got on Highway 52 in Anson County, Detective Hodgson forced the car off the road, going airborne over an embankment and finally landing in someone's back yard.

Robinson then tried to run away, but Detective Hodgson went after him and tackled him as another officer arrived at the scene. Mullis says he's thankful they aren't mourning the loss of a dedicated officer when this situation could have easily taken a tragic turn.

“By the grace of God, the event did not turn tragic,” Mullis said in the post. “I am absolutely amazed at his thought processes as we ran through the previous event together. Detective Hodgson was placed into the event and had to make a multitude of decision during the event that most likely saved his life as well as the life of the suspect.”

Detective Hodgson is expected to return to work this week.

Robinson is facing several charges including attempted first degree murder. He's bonded out of jail.

 

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