Harrowing traffic stop for trooper

A traffic stop in Wynnefield turned into a harrowing experience for a state trooper yesterday morning.

Joshua Mack, a two-year veteran of the state police, noticed a silver Pontiac stopped in the center lane of City Avenue near Presidential Boulevard about 3 a.m., said Trooper Danea Alston, a state police spokeswoman.

Mack awoke the car's driver and instructed him to turn right onto Presidential Boulevard, Alston said.

The driver did as instructed, and Mack approached the car again, opening the driver's side car door and reaching inside.

Suddenly, the driver put the car into gear and took off, dragging Mack with him, Alston said.

Mack gripped the steering wheel and roof of the car to avoid the wheels, as he was dragged along Presidential Boulevard for about 200 feet. Afterward, the car sped up and Mack let go, Alston said.

The driver continued for about a mile before crashing into a light pole at Conshohocken Avenue and Neil Drive. The car burst into flames and he ran off, Alston said.

Mack was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was treated and released for a sprained shoulder and road burns on his legs.

Authorities are seeking the driver, described as an African-American man, about 26 years old, 6 feet tall, 180 pounds, with a light complexion. *