A Renton man faces numerous charges after he dragged a state trooper into freeway traffic Aug. 27 while trying to flee a traffic stop on Interstate 5, according to the Washington State Patrol.

The trooper stopped the black Nissan at about 4 p.m. after it was reported driving erratically northbound on I-5 near South 375th Street south of Federal Way. He witnessed several traffic violations, according to the state patrol.

The driver of the car acted suspiciously – he reached around the center console of the vehicle – as he pulled over to the right shoulder. He refused to keep his hands visible, as commanded, according to the patrol.

As the trooper opened the driver’s side door, the suspect started the car and drove off the shoulder, dragging the trooper into the right lane for approximately 40 feet before he could let go, according to the state patrol.

The trooper returned to his patrol car; the Renton man lost control on the exit ramp to 54th Avenue South, becoming stuck in the dirt. The driver got out of the Nissan and continued to resist arrest.

During his arrest the Renton man provided a false name and date of birth but was properly identified during booking into King County Jail. He has four outstanding warrants; he was booked under investigation for assault of a police officer, felony eluding, DUI, resisting arrest, providing false information and driving with a suspended license.

“The trooper was very fortunate to not be struck by traffic and only received minor scrapes when he fell into the lane after being drug by the Nissan,” according to the press release.