Man Charged After Driving Off With Dayton Police Officer Inside Car

Suspect Gary Pullen faces multiple charges, including abduction, after fleeing traffic stop with officer in vehicle.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A 46-year-old man has been formally charged after allegedly driving away from a traffic stop in Dayton, Ohio with a police officer still inside his vehicle. Cruiser camera footage shows the officer approaching the suspect's pickup truck, at which point the suspect jumped back into the car and sped off, leading to a chase that ended in a crash. The officer was uninjured, and the suspect was arrested and found to be in possession of marijuana, narcotics, and a loaded firearm.

Why it matters

This incident raises serious concerns about public safety and the risks officers face during routine traffic stops. It also highlights the challenges law enforcement can face when dealing with suspects with lengthy criminal histories involving firearms.

The details

According to court records, Gary Pullen was indicted on charges of abduction, having weapons under disability, obstructing official business, carrying concealed weapons, and improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle. The incident occurred on January 29 when a Dayton police officer pulled Pullen over for illegal window tint. The officer then discovered Pullen's vehicle tags were expired and that he had a lengthy criminal history involving firearms. When the officer approached the vehicle, he saw Pullen handling a black bag, and when the officer asked Pullen to step out of the vehicle, Pullen jumped back in and sped off with the officer still inside. The vehicle crashed a short distance away, and Pullen was arrested and found to be in possession of marijuana, suspected narcotics, and a loaded firearm.

  • The incident occurred on January 29, 2026.
  • Pullen was indicted on the charges on February 10, 2026.

The players

Gary Pullen

A 46-year-old man who was charged with abduction, having weapons under disability, obstructing official business, carrying concealed weapons, and improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle after allegedly driving away from a traffic stop with a Dayton police officer still inside his vehicle.

Dayton Police Department

The law enforcement agency that conducted the traffic stop and pursued the suspect after he fled with an officer in his vehicle.

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What’s next

Pullen is scheduled to appear in court on February 12, 2026, where a judge will determine if he should be allowed out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the dangers that police officers can face during seemingly routine traffic stops, and the importance of holding suspects with criminal histories involving firearms accountable for their actions in order to protect public safety.