Florida Officer Dragged In Video Released From Hospital

PEMBROKE PINES, FL —The veteran Florida police officer who was seen on video being dragged for nearly half a minute as he clung to the door of a speeding passenger earlier this week, was released from the hospital on Wednesday. The incident sparked a morning rush hour chase along two heavily traveled South Florida highways for commuters heading into Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

"We sincerely thank the amazing doctors, nurses, and staff at Memorial Regional Hospital for the excellent care which Officer Cusack received," said Pembroke Pines police on Wednesday.

The chase ended with a take down along Interstate 595, just west of Interstate 95 in an area not far from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. All lanes of I-595 eastbound were blocked for a time as police surrounded the Honda shortly after 9 a.m. The drama played out on live television with news helicopters hovering above the chaotic scene.

Officer Jon Cusack, a 19-year-veteran of the Pembroke Pines Police Department, suffered severe, but non-life threatening injuries after being dragged for more than half a mile. Officials later said the officer required surgery.

The driver of the car was identified as 38-year-old Thomas Cabrera of Pembroke Pines, who was charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and a number of other charges. Cusack initially was called to Century Village by security, who noticed Cabrera and a woman asleep inside a parked vehicle. Police said a clear bag containing an unknown substance was spotted inside the car in the 1100 block of SW 125 Avenue.

Cabrera allegedly tried to speed away as bodycam video showed the officer putting on plastic gloves.

"Our officer reached into the vehicle at this time in an attempt to prevent the suspect from leaving the scene in a possibly impaired state which would endanger our community and the safety of the passenger," according to Pembroke Pines police. "The suspect proceeded to leave the scene at a high rate of speed, and dragged the officer for over half a mile wherein the officer was clinging to the vehicle to avoid being run over."

Cabrera allegedly drove straight at Pembroke Pines Fire-Rescue personnel in an apparent attempt to shake the officer.

"Fire-Rescue had to undertake evasive maneuvers in order to prevent the suspect's vehicle from making contact with them," police explained. "When the suspect finally slowed his speed as he approached the Century Village exit located at 129 Avenue and Pembroke Road, our officer determined this to be the safest opportunity for him to release his hold and to roll away from the vehicle's tires."

Cabrera then allegedly led officers on a wild chase with full lights and sirens blaring.

"Our officers pursued the suspect vehicle as it made its way on to I-75 northbound, and then to eastbound I-595. Multiple units from various jurisdictions assisted our agency during this chase," police said. "As the suspect approached the area of SR-7, the roadway ahead became blocked with traffic and he eventually came to a stop whereupon our officers were able to take suspect Cabrera and the female passenger safely into custody."

Police did not immediately charge the woman. A number of motorists opted to use State Road 84, which runs parallel to I-595.

"We are asking our community to please keep our officer in their thoughts, and we wish to thank our neighboring agencies for their assistance in this matter," Pembroke police added.

Watch dramatic video of the officer being dragged:

Photo of Officer Jon Cusack Courtesy Pembroke Pines Police Department