Ohio Police Officer Pinned and Dragged by Stolen Dodge Charger During Traffic Stop in Newtown; Suspect Arrested After Fleeing Scene
OHIO — A routine traffic stop in Newtown, Ohio took a dangerous turn earlier this month when a police officer was pinned and dragged by a stolen Dodge Charger, leaving him with minor injuries before the suspect fled the scene.
The incident occurred on the evening of December 8, 2025, when Officer Andrew Niederschmidt with the Newtown Police Department attempted to stop a black Dodge Charger after a Flock camera alert flagged it for a stolen license plate. According to police, the vehicle pulled into the VIP Smoke Shop, where Officer Niederschmidt approached the driver’s side door and ordered the suspect to step out.
Traffic Stop Turns Violent
Body camera footage shows the tense moment when the officer yelled,
“Stop! Stop the car! Get out!”
The driver, later identified as 20-year-old Jeremiah Ice, reportedly ignored the commands and told the officer to “Calm down” before suddenly accelerating. Ice reversed the vehicle, pinning Officer Niederschmidt against the car, then moved forward — dragging the officer between 20 to 30 feet at speeds estimated between 10 to 15 mph.
“STOP! STOP! He’s got me in the car!” the officer screamed as he struggled to free himself.
Moments later, Ice released the officer and sped away from the scene.
Officer Injured but Expected to Recover
Authorities confirmed that Officer Niederschmidt suffered minor leg and hip injuries during the encounter. He was treated and released shortly afterward. Police quickly launched a search for the vehicle and suspect, reviewing footage from nearby surveillance systems.
Suspect Turns Himself In
Two days after the incident, Jeremiah Ice turned himself in to authorities. He now faces multiple charges, including:
- Assault on a police officer
- Resisting arrest
- Failure to comply with police orders
- Two counts of receiving stolen property
According to Newtown police, the Dodge Charger was confirmed stolen, and Ice was not the registered owner. Investigators are now working to determine whether he had prior connections to vehicle theft cases in the Cincinnati area.
Investigation and Public Reaction
Police officials described the event as “a stark reminder of how unpredictable traffic stops can be,” praising Officer Niederschmidt for maintaining control and surviving a potentially deadly situation.
“We’re grateful this didn’t result in more serious injuries,” said a Newtown police spokesperson. “This could have easily ended much worse.”
The Newtown Police Department released the bodycam video to the public, showing the frightening moment when the officer was trapped between the car door and the suspect’s vehicle. The footage has since circulated widely online, drawing reactions from residents shocked by the suspect’s reckless actions.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
As of this week, Jeremiah Ice remains in custody pending a bond hearing. Prosecutors have indicated that additional charges could be filed depending on the outcome of the vehicle theft investigation.
Police say they are reviewing procedures surrounding vehicle approach protocols to ensure officer safety during future traffic stops. Stay informed with updates on developing police investigations across Ohio at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
