SARASOTA POLICE ARREST MAN WHO TRIED TO HIT OFFICER WITH CAR

A 21-year-old man who tried to run down a police officer with his car was arrested Monday night, police said. Officer Ron Dixon had pulled the car over for a traffic stop late Sunday night on Old Bradenton Road.

As Dixon walked toward the stopped vehicle, the driver made a quick three-point turn and hit the gas, heading straight at the officer, according to police. Dixon pulled his gun and fired twice at the car, striking its windshield, police said.

As the car passed the officer, a front quarter panel struck Dixon in the leg, police said. Dixon was not seriously injured. Officers searching for the car got a tip on Monday that led to the arrest of Marlos E. Pace, 1700 block of 33rd Street, Sarasota. He was arrested and charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.