A Jefferson City man was being held Tuesday in the Cole County jail after allegedly stealing a television from Walmart over the weekend and dragging a police officer with his car while trying to escape.
According to court records, James Holleman, 29, of 3832 Oxford Road, is charged with assault on a law officer, resisting arrest, felony stealing, receiving stolen property and DWI.
A Jefferson City Police Department probable cause statement shows Holleman attempted to leave Walmart on West Stadium Boulevard on Saturday night with a television worth more than $400.
Holleman walked out of the store with the TV in a shopping cart and then went out to his vehicle. A police officer was dispatched to the store and made contact with Holleman in his vehicle. As the two were talking, Holleman suddenly started the vehicle.
The officer opened the driver's door to shut off the vehicle and prevent Holleman from leaving, but Holleman placed the vehicle into gear and pressed on the accelerator with the officer half inside the vehicle.
The officer and Holleman continued to struggle. The vehicle traveled approximately 75 feet in a semi-circle while dragging the officer, and Holleman lost control of the vehicle and collided with a light pole.
Holleman and the officer continued to fight as Holleman exited the passenger's side window.
A loss-prevention employee from Walmart helped the police officer get Holleman to the ground and in handcuffs.
The officer sustained minor injuries.
Also during the investigation, tools stolen from Sears, valued at more than $600, were located in the trunk of Holleman's vehicle.
Authorities said Holleman's criminal history shows he has nine prior convictions for stealing or related offenses, and was arrested three times for DWI and five times for resisting arrest.