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Suspect ID'd In Deputy's Dragging

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By LISA A. DAVIS and BETH GADDIS

The Tampa Tribune TBO.com

Published: May 6, 2008

PORT RICHEY - Authorities have identified a man they say dragged a Pasco County sheriff's deputy about 30 feet before running over him with a GMC Envoy.

Deputies were searching Monday for Brian Patrick Mitchell, 27, of 11630 Baywood Meadows Drive, New Port Richey.

They say he faces a charge of attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer.

Deputy William Orndorff stopped the sport utility vehicle on a speeding violation - traveling 65 mph in a 45 mph zone - at Embassy Boulevard and Jarman Lane at 4:19 a.m. Monday, agency spokesman Kevin Doll said.

The driver tried to grab the deputy's gun and then hit the gas pedal, dragging Orndorff before running him over, Doll said.

A resident at Park Place Apartments heard the deputy calling for help and helped him, Doll said. He wouldn't release the resident's name.

Orndorff, 26, was treated at a hospital for a sprained ankle and bruises, Doll said.

The deputy, who has been with the sheriff's office since September 2003, couldn't be reached for comment Monday.

This isn't the first time Orndorff has been injured on the job. On Sept. 23, 2005, he was on a domestic battery call when a woman kicked him in the mouth, chipping his teeth, according to a report.

In Monday's incident, investigators are looking for a silver four-door 2008 GMC Envoy with tinted windows and Florida license plate number 403LCC.

Records indicate the truck belongs to Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Tampa, the sheriff's office said.

Mitchell has been arrested in Pasco County at least three times on charges related to drugs, driving on a suspended or revoked license and leaving a crash scene.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's office at (727) 847-5878.

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