A Bradenton police officer was injured late Tuesday night during a traffic stop that escalated into a violent confrontation and vehicle crash, resulting in serious charges against the 19-year-old driver.
At approximately 11:35 p.m. on May 20, Officer Shane Sharp attempted a traffic stop in the 1200 block of Martin Luther King Ave E for a suspected violation. The vehicle, driven by Lenny Macias-Rangel, was followed for several blocks before pulling over.
Officer Sharp reportedly asked Macias-Rangel 12 times to turn off the vehicle, concerned he might flee. When Macias-Rangel refused, Officer Sharp opened the driver’s door and reached inside to shift the car into park. Macias-Rangel allegedly put the vehicle in drive and accelerated, pinning Officer Sharp’s torso against the dashboard.
Despite a second officer attempting to assist, Macias-Rangel drove roughly 150 feet before crashing into a pole. After the crash, he reportedly resisted arrest and struck several officers. He was treated for injuries and cleared for transport to the Manatee County Jail.
Officer Sharp was rushed to a hospital in a patrol car. He sustained a concussion, arm injuries including a separated shoulder, and minor leg injuries, and was later released Wednesday morning to recover at home.
A search of the vehicle uncovered over one kilogram of marijuana and 62 THC vape cartridges.
Macias-Rangel is now facing the following charges:
- Two counts of Aggravated Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer
- Four counts of Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer
- Resisting an Officer with Violence
- Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer
- Possession with Intent to Sell, Manufacture, or Deliver a Controlled Substance
- Driving While License Suspended, Revoked, Canceled, or Disqualified (Second Offense)
Macias-Rangel’s prior arrests include charges for domestic battery, violation of a domestic violence injunction, fleeing to elude law enforcement, leaving the scene of a crash, and driving with a suspended license.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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