A Hinesville police officer was injured Thursday morning in an attempt to keep a teen from fleeing.

According to Hinesville Police Department Assistant Chief Tracey Howard, a be on the lookout alert was issued shortly after 11 a.m. for 16-year-old girl who allegedly stole her parents’ vehicle and was headed from Long County to the Horizon Learning Center on School House Road in Hinesville.

An officer saw the teen sitting in a parked vehicle at Horizons Learning Center, and as the officer attempted to speak with the teen while standing outside the driver’s side, the teen allegedly attempted to place the vehicle in reverse.  The officer tried to stop her by reaching inside the vehicle and placing it in park.  

As the suspect drove off, the officer was dragged several feet as the suspect backed up. The teen also damaged a vehicle parked next to her.

The officer fell from the vehicle, hitting the roadway, as the suspect left the school parking lot and drove to Walthourville.  

According to Walthourville Police Chief Chris Reed, the teen began circling Busbee Road several times, including driving the Walthourville Police Department parking lot. 

Reed said the suspect continued to attempt to flee, running over several traffic signs, until she was stopped.

The teen continued going up and down Busbee Road with police in pursuit until a Long County deputy used the PIT maneuver to stop her, according to Long County Sheriff Craig Nobles.

According to Howard the teen is facing numerous charges which have not been filed yet.

The officer was taken to Liberty Regional Medical Center in Hinesville with non life threatening injuries.