Three Aberdeen Police Officers Injured In Early Morning Traffic Stop

ABERDEEN, Md. (WJZ)-- Tense moments in Harford County after three police officers were hurt in a wild traffic stop and arrest---and all three ended up in the hospital.

Rick Ritter has more on how this unfolded.

The officer with the most serious injuries was taken to Shock Trauma. He was listed in stable condition and has been released.

The chaotic scene unfolded around 1:30 a.m. Monday. Aberdeen officers pulled over a 32-year-old with a suspended license but within minutes, police say a standard traffic stop quickly took a wild turn as 34-year-old Brandon Watson---who was in the backseat of the car---jumped out and tossed drugs.

"A physical altercation ensued as they tried to take this individual to the ground," said Aberdeen Police Sgt. William Reiber.

There was a five minute struggle between the officers and Watson. Only WJZ obtained the desperate calls for backup. You can hear an officer saying, "Give me some units out here right now!"

When racing to the scene, an officer lost control of his patrol car along Route 22 and crashed but with his fellow officers still struggling to apprehend Watson, he left his car and ran a half-mile to the distress call and took control of the scene.

"At that time we needed him because this individual was displaying some superhuman strength," Reiber said.

Watson was later charged with possession of PCP.

All three officers were hospitalized with minor injuries and then released, a tense scene that could have easily been tragic.

"Without that officer's assistance, it definitely made an impact with how that situation was resolved," Reiber said.

Watson was also charged with assault and resisting arrest.

Most of the night shift was taken out of service due to the nature of the call. Police had to get officers in early to work to make up for it.

According to court documents, Watson previously served a year in jail for second degree assault.