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SUV crashes with officer partially trapped inside; suspects charged

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The names of two suspects involved in a crash that injured a CMPD officer were released Tuesday morning. The officer is recovering after authorities said one of the suspects took off with him partially trapped inside an SUV in west Charlotte.

Deveno Sturgis and Zevaguis Sturgis were both charged with possession of marijuana and resisting arrest.

Deveno was also charged with assault on a law enforcement officer causing injury, reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle while fleeing law enforcement, possession of schedule II narcotic, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, and carrying a concealed weapon (gun).

CMPD officials told Channel 9 that officers were patrolling Maribel Avenue when they came across a suspicious SUV. The officers recognized the vehicle from a previous encounter involving stolen firearms and crack cocaine about a month ago in the same location.

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The officers approached the SUV and started talking to Zevaguis and Deveno Sturgis when they noticed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. As the officers began detaining the two, Zevaguis tried to run away but was quickly caught.

At the same time, Deveno began reaching toward the passenger-side floorboard. The officer, knowing about the previous encounter involving stolen guns, reached to grab Deveno's arm, but he was able to start the SUV and began driving -- with the officer partially trapped inside.

After driving roughly 100 yards, Deveno drove the SUV off the road and into a tree, causing the car to flip.

The officer was able to then crawl from the vehicle and Deveno was arrested by assisting officers.

Police said they found suspected crack cocaine, marijuana, and a loaded handgun inside the SUV.

Only Channel 9 was there as the officer was loaded into an ambulance and taken to the hospital. He was treated and released for minor injuries to his hand, leg, and nose after being dragged by the SUV.

Officials told Channel 9 that the officer is expected to be OK.

CMPD said in a release that officers had a previous encounter with the pair in May.

Three officers with the department's Metro Division observed a suspicious SUV occupied by the duo and CMPD received a 911 call about a subject allegedly threatening people with a rifle.

The officers approached the suspects, arrested them both, and recovered two stolen firearms and a small amount of crack cocaine.

The vehicle from the incident in May is the same vehicle from Tuesday's encounter, according to authorities.

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