Toms River Police: Illegal Immigrant Faces Attempted Murder Charges For Dragging Police Officer

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- An illegal immigrant living in the Bronx faces attempted murder and additional charges for allegedly hitting a police officer with his car and dragging him more than 25 yards, Toms River police said.

The incident occurred shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday in a strip mall parking lot.

Officer Daniel Brennan was talking to Giomar Diaz at the Motor Vehicle Commission because Diaz was suspected of trying to get documents using a false identity, police said.

Diaz, 33, took off and jumped into a black Honda, according to authorities. He 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.

Diaz then struck two parked cars and drove away, authorities said.

Diaz faces attempted murder, aggravated assault on a police officer and resisting arrest charges. He is being held on $500,000 bail. Authorities say he is in the country illegally and had previously been deported to the Dominican Republic.

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

Police also arrested Alvin Hernandez-Almanzar of Camden, N.J. Hernandez-Almanzar, 28, allegedly picked Diaz up after Diaz ditched the car used in the incident. Hernandez-Almanzar faces charges of hindering apprehension, driving with an expired license, and revoked driving.

Police also say an unidentified woman remains a person of interest in the case.

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