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OPP officer injured after being dragged by stolen vehicle

OPP seeks help to identify male pedestrian killed on highway north of Toronto

An OPP officer was injured after the stolen vehicle he stopped flew into reverse and dragged him more than 25 meters.

The SUV was first spotted traveling the wrong way on London's Exeter Road, near the 401 early Friday.

Police said the officer successfully pulled it over but when the driver was asked to shut off the ignition, he instead put the car in reverse and accelerated.

"The officer was dragged out of the parking lot and onto the street, so anywhere from 60 to 80 feet," OPP spokesperson Adam Crewdson said.

The officer suffered minor injuries, mostly bruises and scrapes, and was sent to hospital where he's since been released.

Police said they are now looking for the four occupants in the vehicle described as:

- 2014 Ford Edge SUV

- License plate of BVKC 355

- Grey in colour

The vehicle had been reported stolen from London, Crewdson said. When it sped away, police believe it may have been headed toward Toronto on the 401.

Police describe the driver and passengers as 3 black men, one with a heavily tattooed left arm, and one black woman with bleached blonde hair.

Crewdson said the male driver could face charges of dangerous driving and possibly assaulting a police officer.