Footage of the incident shows the SUV surrounded by dozens of activists. The vehicle suddenly accelerates and stops several times, as people around it scream in fear.
Some of the protesters were knocked to the ground while others tried to cling to the hood as it was speeding away, RT reported.
Eyewitnesses say several people were injured in the incident.
The police blamed the chaotic scene on “agitators” who jumped onto the hood and roof of the vehicle and broke the rear window. “The officer tried to escape,” the department told the Detroit News.
The department promised to investigate the actions of both the protesters and the officer behind the wheel.
The incident happened on Sunday as people in Detroit took part in the latest protests against police brutality and racism in the US.