Two suspects arrested after fleeing traffic stop, injuring officer Wednesday night

Arrested: Robert Cockerell, 31, Meridian

Charges: Unlawful possession of a weapon (F), Grand Theft (F)

Boise Police officers were following up on an ongoing investigation when they conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding near Fairview and Cole around 10:13 pm on Wednesday night.  The driver exited the vehicle as instructed by officers and the passenger moved into the driver’s seat.  As the passenger moved into the driver’s seat, a nearby officer reached through the open window of the driver’s side door in an attempt to stop the passenger. The suspect accelerated rapidly and the officer was dragged a short distance before she was thrown to the ground.  After the vehicle fled, officers searched the area and found the vehicle had crashed into a tree on the 1800 block of Cole. Officers set up a perimeter and continued to search the area for the suspect using a K9 team and unmanned aerial vehicle but were unable to locate him. The original driver, Robert Cockerell, was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was also charged with grand theft as the firearm was found to be stolen.

Arrested: Michael Chapman, 32, Caldwell

Charges: Assault or Battery upon certain personnel (F), Attempt to elude a police officer (F), Grand Theft (F)

Officers identified the suspect who fled the traffic stop as Michael Chapman.  On Thursday officers obtained a warrant for his arrest on charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, felony eluding and grand theft. The US Marshals, ACSO Action team, FBI Metro Violent Crimes Task Force and members of the Boise Police Department continued the investigation to find Chapman.  Around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday an officer working in the area of the 8000 block of W. Overland Road observed Chapman in a parking lot.  Additional officers arrived and made contact with the suspect.  As officers identified themselves, the suspect took off running across the parking lot.  Officers chased him and eventually took him into custody.  While the suspect ran, he attempted to hide a clear bag that contained a tar like substance by another vehicle in the parking lot.  The substance tested presumptive positive for heroin. After further investigation, Chapman was booked into the Ada County Jail and the investigation is ongoing.

The officer who was injured Wednesday night was taken to the hospital and will likely spend a few days or weeks recovering from significant bruising due to rolling across the pavement.

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