LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Radcliff Police Department said one of its officers is recovering after being dragged by a vehicle driven by a teenager during a traffic stop.

The traffic stop occurred just after 11:15 p.m. Monday, according to Radcliff Police Chief Jeff Cross.

Cross said the officer, who has been identified as 31-year-old Ryan Boyd, pulled over a 17-year-old male driver. When Officer Boyd tried to remove the keys from the ignition, the teen stepped on the gas pedal.

At the time, Boyd had his hand on the steering wheel and was dragged across half-in and half-out of the car at the intersection of U.S. 31 W and Centennial Avenue.

Chief Cross said Boyd called for help over the radio.

"He called out 'code three', which means lights and sirens," Cross said. "It's disturbing when you hear an officer that's calling out and [in] distress."

Ryan Boyd, an officer with the Radcliff Police Department

Ryan Boyd, an officer with the Radcliff Police Department. (Source: Radcliff Police Department)

"When you think about him hanging on in that car -- half-in, half-out of it -- with the door open," Cross said. "And they went across 31 W against the red light, it was a nightmare waiting to happen."

Cross said they then hit a small tree, UPS and USPS mailboxes before crashing into the Southland Bingo building on Centennial Avenue.

Boyd was thrown into the building and was injured. He was taken to the hospital and is expected to recover, according to Cross. Cross said Boyd didn't have to have surgery at the hospital but was pretty beaten up from the crash.

"As bad as it was, it could have been a lot worse," Cross said.

Repairs were already underway at the crash site on Tuesday.

Cross said the 17-year-old ran from the scene but was eventually captured. He has not been publicly identified, as juvenile records are sealed.

He's facing nine charges, including assault and wanton endangerment of a police officer, as well as driving under the influence, possession of marijuana and possession of a handgun. 

For now, Cross said he's thankful Officer Boyd is going to be okay.

"We're just glad to have him and fortunate that he's okay and look forward to him coming back," Cross said. "We keep praying for him until he gets ready to get back here."

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