PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) — Authorities say a suspect has struck a Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputy with his car while trying to flee a confrontation.

The sheriff’s office says the deputy was called to a residential complex about a suspicious vehicle Wednesday morning and that an argument ensued with the driver James Swore. The 26-year-old driver allegedly struck the deputy with his car, then sped off and crashed through a guard gate before heading into the complex. The driver fled on foot into a wooded area.

Neighbors helped authorities locate the fleeing car.

Swore was charged with aggravated battery on the deputy, aggravated fleeing to elude, criminal mischief and various narcotics charges.

The deputy sustained minor injuries.

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