California: Sergeant almost struck by vehicle; suspect arrested

The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office arrested one suspect after he allegedly almost struck a sergeant with a vehicle. ICSO said 33-year-old Eric Gragson is facing several charges, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm against a peace officer, and possession of a stolen vehicle.

ICSO said Thursday a sheriff’s sergeant contacted a suspicious parked vehicle in the area of Edgar Road and Forrester Road while performing an agricultural area patrol check Deputies said the vehicle was occupied by Gragson and another suspect, 28-year-old Adrian Rivas. An investigation revealed the vehicle had a stolen plate.

Gragson, the alleged driver, sped off in the vehicle with Rivas. The sergeant sustained minor injuries while avoiding being struck by the speeding vehicle and was treated and released at a local hospital. The suspects fled the scene and an all-points bulletin was broadcast to Imperial Valley law enforcement.

The suspects were located later that morning in an apartment, located in the 400 block of Commercial Ave. in El Centro. Both suspects were taken into custody by Imperial County Sheriff’s Deputies with the assistance from the California Highway Patrol and El Centro Police Department.

Gragson was booked into the Imperial County Jail. He’s also facing charges of displaying false plates and resisting arrest. Gragson’s bail was set at $500,000. Charges will be filed on Rivas for conspiracy with the Imperial County District Attorney Office.