(PRESS RELEASE via VRPD) Early Wednesday morning at about 02:30 AM Officer V. Hamilton conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for an equipment violation. During the stop, the driver, 49-year-old Bryan Myers of Temple, exited his vehicle and began arguing with Officer Hamilton about the stop.
Mr. Myers then tried to get back into the vehicle while Officer Hamilton was advising him to remain outside. A prolonged physical confrontation began between the two and Mr. Myers was eventually able to get into the driver’s seat and put the vehicle in drive. Mr. Myers sped away with Officer Hamilton halfway in and halfway out of the car. Officer Hamilton kept her wits in a very dangerous situation. Officer Hamilton kept attempting to press the brake with her foot while Mr. Myers was kicking her leg away and using his hand to try to push her out of the vehicle while the vehicle was traveling approximately 60 MPH. Thankfully, Officer Hamilton was able to finally press the brake and stop the vehicle.
Mr. Myers then pushed his way out of the vehicle and tried to run away into the woods. A pistol fell from Mr. Myers’ waistband while he was running away, and he eventually hid in the woods.
After a short time, Mr. Myers surrendered to Officer Hamilton and backup officers that had arrived on scene and was taken into custody. Upon arrest, Mr. Myers was found to be in possession of ecstasy pills.
Mr. Myers is now facing charges for assaulting Officer Hamilton, possession of ecstasy, firearm possession, and DUI among others. We are thankful that Officer Hamilton was able to take Mr. Myers into custody during an unbelievably dangerous situation without being injured.
