Two Dover Police officers escaped injury after being struck by a fleeing vehicle while on a traffic stop Sunday night, according to M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer.
Hoffman said at approximately 10:10 PM, an officer observed a black Acura TL being operated by 21-year-old Chrys Atanga, in the area of Division Street and S. DuPont Highway without headlights on. The officer stopped Atanga in the parking lot of Dover Mart shopping center, located in the 200 Block of S. DuPont Highway.
When the officer approached, a strong odor of marijuana was detected. When a second officer arrived to assist, they asked Atanga to exit the vehicle, and he refused. Atanga then struggled with officers and put the car in reverse, striking both officers with the vehicle, said Hoffman. Atanga then fled through the shopping center parking lot onto S. DuPont Highway. A short time later, Atanga was taken into custody at a residence in the 300 Block of N. Bradford Street. The vehicle that Atanga was operating was found parked in the 200 Block of North State Street. A search of that vehicle led to the discovery of 239.8 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, and various paraphernalia, according to Hoffman.
Atanga was released after posting $32,255 secured bond on the following charges:
-Reckless Endangering 1st Degree (2x)
-Possession of Deadly Weapon During Commission of Felony
-Resisting Arrest with Force (Felony Resisting)
-Offensive Touching of Law Enforcement (2x)
-Disregard Police Signal
-Possession With Intent to Deliver Marijuana
-Drug Paraphernalia
-Multiple Traffic Violations
