Deputy hit by suspect's car after chase

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WALA) - Santa Rosa County Deputies have arrested a man involved in a police chase that ended with a deputy being hit by the suspect's vehicle. Dominic Turner, 36, of Navarre was arrested early Friday morning, January 25, 2013 on numerous charges including attempted murder and domestic violence.  

Deputies said it started Thursday night, January 24, at the suspect's home. Deputies had been called there for a domestic dispute. Before authorities could stop Turner, they said he fled the home in his black Lexus.

Investigators said while interviewing the victim she told them Turner sent her a text message saying "we're not done until you're not breathing." Authorities said they had enough evidence to arrest Turner for domestic violence and tampering with a witness which is a felony.

Deputies spotted Turner's Lexus in Pace, Fla. near Highway 90 and Watkins Street just before midnight Thursday night. Investigators said Turner refused to stop and led deputies on a chase through Pace and Milton.

"When he attempted a traffic stop, Turner refused to pull over. The deputy had his lights and sirens on but he just refused to obey," said Sergeant Scott Haines with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office.

During the chase, authorities said Turner repeatedly drove against the flow of traffic in the opposite lane, putting others in danger.  He also managed to avoid several spike strips used to try and stop him.

At one point, authorities said Turner aimed his vehicle at a deputy and struck him as he tried to get out of the way. After hitting the deputy, authorities say Turner's car struck a tree and another patrol car and continued to flee before finally being stopped on Highway 87 near Pleasant Grove Road.

"He had no regard for the safety of anyone. He was going into oncoming traffic. He was intentionally trying to collide and sideswipe deputies or anyone that got in his way. It was very dangerous," Haines said.

Authorities said he continued to fight them, injuring another deputy before he was taken into custody.

The deputy who was struck was taken to the hospital where he was treated for a sprained knee, cuts and bruises. He has since been released. The second deputy suffered multiple fractures to his finger. He was also treated and released.

Turner is charged with attempted felony murder for allegedly maliciously striking a deputy with his vehicle.  He is also charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, and fleeing/eluding a law enforcement officer with injuries and/or damage.

Turner was also charged with the original domestic violence charges from the incident in Navarre.

He is being held in the Santa Rosa County Jail with no bond.