North Port Police searching for man who struck officer with car

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The North Port Police Department is on the lookout for a man who they say committed battery on an officer, among other charges.

The man in question is 23-year-old Debahj Grant, a Black man standing at 6 feet tall, weighing 155 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He was wearing glasses at the time of the incident.

NPPD was made aware of Grant on Sept. 11 after Charlotte County deputies pulled him over and drove away.

On Monday, Sept. 16, a North Port off-duty police officer spotted him. Authorities said Grant struck the officer while putting his vehicle in reverse, pinning the officer between the door jam before fleeing.

Then, he fled the scene. A short time later, NPPD located his vehicle not far away. It was empty.

The officer said he injured his elbow and got some scratches, but he is OK.

K-9 Units and the drone team were deployed with a heavy police presence in the Napoleon Road and Amnesty Drive areas.

This is an active investigation.

If you have any information on this man’s whereabouts, contact Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-8477. You can also submit tips online or on the P3 Tips mobile app. Remember, you can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.

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