NJ Officer Struck, Dragged By Car In Strip Mall Parking Lot

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A police officer is recovering after being struck by a car and dragged around a strip mall parking lot in southern New Jersey, authorities said.

The incident occurred shortly before 1 p.m. in Toms River.

Officer Daniel Brennan, a 15-year veteran of the Toms River Police, was talking to a man suspected of trying to get documents at the Motor Vehicle Commission using a false identity, police said.

That's when the man took off and jumped into a black Honda, according to authorities. The man left the driver's door open and slammed the car into reverse, police said.

Brennan was caught between the open door and the car seat and was dragged more than 25 yards, police said.

The Honda then struck two parked cars and proceeded to away.

Officer Brennan was taken to Community Medical Center for treatment, police said.

Police used surveillance photos from the MVC to get a look at the suspect and another woman, who they said was a person of interest in the case.

They shared the photos on social media, prompting a Good Samaritan to call police after spotting the Honda.

Police found the Honda about two miles from the MVC office.

Later in the afternoon, another officer noticed a vehicle driving erratically near North Bay Avenue and Whitty Road. The officer pulled the vehicle over and recognized one of the passengers as the person wanted for striking Officer Brennan.

Police said the man was in possession of numerous fake IDs. His true identity has yet to be determined, police said.

The female person of interest has yet to be located, police said.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Toms River police at (732) 349-0150, extension 1235.

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