Bluffton officer back on the job after being dragged by motorist

A Bluffton police officer was back on the job Monday after an incident Sunday in which a motorist fleeing a traffic stop dragged him for 50 feet.

Sgt. Joe George's arm became entangled in the driver's seat belt during the traffic stop. The officer was forced to run alongside the car until he could free his arm, authorities said Monday.

George was taken to Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville for treatment of two sprained wrists.

The incident occurred just after noon Sunday when George pulled over a 1994 Saturn driven by Donald Basemore, 29, of Bluffton House Apartments, 20 Simmonsville Road, for a seat belt violation near Bluffton Parkway and Red Cedar Street, according to the police department.

The officer collected Basemore's information and went back to his patrol car, where he determined Basemore's license was suspended. When George returned, the driver became "antsy," said Police Chief David McAllister.

George reached into the car to prevent Basemore from leaving and became entangled in the belt.

George finally freed himself and tumbled to the asphalt.

A backup officer pursued Basemore to his residence, police said. The officer subdued Basemore with a Taser.

Basemore was charged with resisting arrest resulting in the injury of a police officer, failure to stop for blue lights, driving under suspension, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and no seat belt. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. He's being held on a $29,260 bond.

"The sad part is (Basemore) was only in a little bit of trouble (prior to taking off)," McAllister said. "Now, he's in a lot more. It wasn't worth doing what he did."