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MARIETTA, Ga. - A Georgia State Patrol trooper is recovering after being injured during a traffic stop Wednesday night.
Cpl. J. L. Thompson pulled over a car near Interstate 75 and Delk Road in Marietta. The Georgia State Patrol said the driver, 36-year old Alvaro Jimenez Santana from Conyers, got out of his car and was talking to the trooper when he decided to make a run for it.
“The driver jumped back in his car, during the process he got into a struggle with the trooper and another officer, and the driver drove off, knocking the trooper from the car and knocking him unconscious,” said Sgt. Charles Chapeau.
Authorities said Santana ditched the car a short distance away and took off on foot. He was captured a short time later. Authorities said after hitting the trooper and taking off Santana tossed drugs from the car.
“Along the path of his travel was a half-kilo of heroin, we're assuming that's why he was trying to flee,” said Sgt. Chapeau.
Santana faces a long list of charges including fleeing to elude, obstruction, and aggravated battery. He may face additional charges for the drugs according to troopers. He was booked into the Cobb County Jail.
Sgt. Chapeau said the trooper was rushed to the hospital. At last update he was in stable condition.