New Jersey

Man Previously Deported on Weapons, Drug Charges Accused of Attempted Cop Murder After Dragging Officer With Car: Prosecutors

A New York man believed to be illegally in the country after a previous deportation to the Dominican Republic as a result of weapons and drug charges faces charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault on a police officer after allegedly striking a New Jersey cop with his car and dragging him about 25 yards as he fled the scene of an investigation Tuesday, officials say.

Giomar Diaz, 33, whose last listed address was in the Bronx, is being held on $500,000 bail. He is also being held on an additional no bail detainer from U.S. Immigration and Customers Enforcement.

Diaz was initially detained by the officer in a Toms River strip mall Tuesday after allegedly trying to use a false identity and documents at a Motor Vehicle Commission office to get government documents. As the officer was talking to Diaz outside the office, Diaz allegedly ran to his car and got in the vehicle, then drove in reverse, hitting the officer and dragging him.

Diaz then hit two parked cars before driving away from the mall. He was apprehended a short time later after authorities released surveillance images of him and his vehicle and got a tip about a sighting.

The officer was treated at a hospital nonlife-threatening injuries.

Charges have also been filed against a 28-year-old man accused of hindering the apprehension of Diaz. The man allegedly picked Diaz up after the vehicle used in the cop attack was abandoned.

A woman seen with Diaz at the MVC is wanted for questioning and has not yet been identified.

It wasn't immediately clear if Diaz had an attorney who could comment on the allegations. Authorities say there was an active warrant for him originating in New York City at the time of his arrest, though the nature of that warrant wasn't clear.

Contact Us