SOLON, Ohio — The suspect accused of dragging a Solon police officer while fleeing a traffic stop entered a plea deal Tuesday, more than four months after the incident that sent the officer to the hospital.
As part of the agreement, Termaine Jackson, 28, pled guilty to:
- One count of Failure to Comply, a fourth-degree felony
- Once count of Assault (peace officer), a fourth-degree felony
The failure to comply charge was originally a felony of the third degree until attorneys agreed to a lesser charge in exchange for a guilty plea. The deal says the defendant will agree to a prison term. It also includes no contact with the victim, Officer James Cervik of the Solon Police Department.
According to officials, the incident happened just before 2 a.m. on Sunday, when Officer James Cervik reported clocking a 2015 Nissan Altima at 88 miles per hour in a 60 mph zone on Route 422 eastbound.
After writing a citation, Cervik said he "detected an odor of marijuana". When a backup officer arrived he also said he smelled the marijuana. Cervik ordered the suspect to get out of the vehicle, but he didn't.
"The smell of marijuana will give the officer probable cause to go ahead and conduct a search of the vehicle," said Assistant Police Chief Donald Haines.
Haines praised Cervik and the backup officer's actions. "We think they acted in a calm and professional manner, considering the situation that they were in."
In body camera video released Monday, you can hear Jackson apologize for speeding and explaining he was trying to get home to Twinsburg. Cervik repeatedly asked Jackson if he had a weapon on him — which he denied — and ordered him to get out.
After about four minutes, the suspect admitted to being a convicted felon and also having a firearm, information that Haines said "gave rise to Officer Cervik's concern. Therefore, he knew then he had to get the suspect out of the vehicle and in custody for his safety."
Bodycam footage shows Cervik reach into the car and attempt to forcibly remove Jackson. Dash cam video from the patrol car shows the suspect's car accelerate one to two seconds after Cervik reaches into the vehicle to pull him out.
The officer stays with the car for a couple seconds and then rolls to the ground.
Each count carries a maximum of six to 18 months in prison and a fine up to $5,000. Prison time for the failure to comply charge must run consecutive to any additional prison time he may receive for the assault charge. Failure to comply also includes a mandatory driver’s license suspension of three years to life.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 29 at 8:45 a.m.