A Woman accused of hitting officer with car during a chaotic street takeover in a Harris Teeter parking lot in northwest Charlotte has been charged.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Early Sunday morning turned chaotic outside a northwest Charlotte grocery store after police say a street takeover spiraled out of control and ended with an officer being struck by a car.
Authorities say the incident unfolded around 3:25 a.m. on March 1 in the parking lot of a Harris Teeter on Smith Farm Road, where multiple callers reported drivers gathering for what appeared to be a street takeover.
When officers arrived on scene, they reportedly found several vehicles in the lot participating in reckless driving activity and began trying to clear the area.
According to police documents, one officer had stepped out of his patrol vehicle and approached a black Kia Optima that appeared to be attempting to leave the parking lot.
Investigators say the officer moved toward the front of the vehicle and was walking toward the driver’s side when the driver — later identified as 25-year-old Tanaezah Austin — suddenly accelerated.
Police allege the car struck the officer, causing him to be lifted onto the hood before falling off the vehicle.
Authorities said the officer had issued verbal commands for the driver to stop and was standing directly in front of the car where he should have been clearly visible.
Despite the impact, investigators say the vehicle continued out of the parking lot, leaving the officer injured.
Emergency responders transported the officer to a hospital where he was treated for minor injuries, according to officials.
Police say Austin was taken into custody the following day.
The 25-year-old is now facing a charge of assault with a deadly weapon on emergency personnel. Jail records show she was later released on a $3,000 bond.
The case remains under investigation.
