Taser deployed to gain control of out of control motorcyclist
On Wednesday, A Stuart Police Sergeant was traveling northbound on US Highway 1. He observed a motorcycle approaching him from behind traveling at a high rate of speed. It was estimated that the motorcycle was traveling above 75 mph in a posted 30 mph zone.
After the motorcycle raced by the Sergeant, a traffic stop was initiated. The motorcycle slowed it’s speed but did not come to a stop. Finally, at the intersection of US 1 and NW Baker Road, the motorcycle came to a stop.
When the Sergeant exited his patrol car and approached the operator, the suspect began to drive away. The Sergeant attempted to physically remove the suspect off of the motorcycle to prevent him from fleeing. The suspect continued drive away and the Sergeant was dragged approximately 10 feet. Other Stuart Police Officers arrived on scene and began to pursue the fleeing suspect.
The chase ended in the area of Longhorn Steakhouse in Jensen Beach. The operator, Richard A. Dargan, refused to obey the officer’s orders. A Taser was deployed to gain control of Dargan (who is 6 feet tall and weighs 270 pounds). Dargan was taken into custody.
Richard Dargan was arrested and charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, driving under the influence of alcohol (he registered nearly twice the legal limit of .08), fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer, and reckless driving. He was transported to the Martin County Jail and held in lieu of an $11,400.00 bond.
Luckily, no one was seriously injured during this incident
