Northern Territory Police have charged a 27-year-old man in relation to an incident at a service station carpark in Palmerston about 11.00pm Monday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rob Jordan from Strike Force Trident said an officer was lucky not to be seriously injured when he was dragged by a vehicle.

“Members observed a vehicle of interest parked at the service station, they activated their lights and pulled up next to it,” he said.

“The male was sitting in the driver’s seat with the door ajar as the member approached. Without warning, the driver rapidly reversed the vehicle, trapping the member between the door and the vehicle.

“He was dragged a short distance, before hitting the ground. The officer then got up and managed to remove the keys from the ignition.”

The member and his colleague then arrested the driver after a short struggle.

The man was charged with:

• Recklessly endanger life
• Drive disqualified
• Assault police
• Resist police.

He was bailed to appear in Darwin Local Court tomorrow.