COVINGTON, Va. (WFXR) — A traffic stop turned into a fight between a passenger and a Covington cop early Wednesday morning, leaving the officer injured while the passenger and the driver were charged with multiple offenses.

According to the Covington Police Department, at approximately 2 a.m. on Wednesday, June 29, an officer tried to pull over a vehicle around East Cherry Street and South Highland Avenue, but the vehicle would not stop, even when the officer activated their emergency lights and signaled for them to stop.

During this time, police say the people inside the vehicle dropped items out the window, which were later identified as illegal narcotics.

The department says the vehicle eventually stopped in the alley between the 300 block of East Fudge Street and East Pine Street, where the passenger, David Brewster, ran away. While the officer chased after Brewster, other units took the driver, Armetta Hicks, into custody.

Authorities tell WFXR News that Brewster arrested behind a home in the 300 block of East Fudge Street following a brief fight with the officer, during which time Brewster disarmed the officer of his taser, forcing the officer to hold him at gunpoint until backup arrived.

Following their struggle, Brewster and the officer were reportedly treated for minor injuries at LewisGale Alleghany Regional Hospital and later released.

Meanwhile, police say a backpack containing a significant amount of marijuana and methamphetamine was found in the area where Brewster was arrested, as well as a gun.

Members of the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police assisted with the arrest and provided security at the scene during the incident, officials say.

(Photo courtesy: Covington Police Department)

According to the department, Brewster is facing charges for disarming a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, obstruction of justice, and possession with the intent to distribute both marijuana and methamphetamine, while Hicks was charged with felony eluding and multiple traffic infractions. However, additional charges may be filed depending on the outcome of the investigation.

If you have any information about this incident, you are asked to contact the Covington Police Department by calling 540-965-6333 or emailing policeinfo@covington.va.us.