Previously-deported man charged with attempted murder in Toms River officer dragging

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (WABC) -- Police in Toms River have identified and charged a New York man with attempted murder, aggravated assault on a police officer and resisting arrest after a hit and run Tuesday in which an officer was dragged some 25 yards.

The incident happened around 12:30 p.m. outside the Silverton DMV office.

Toms River police say that Officer Daniel Brennan, a 15-year veteran, was struck by the vehicle as it fled the scene of an investigation. Brennan was at the DMV investigating a document fraud case, speaking to a man who was suspected of trying to forge and obtain fraudulent documents by using a false identity.

Giomar Diaz, 33, whose last listed address was in the Bronx, is being held on $500,000 bail. Diaz appears to be in the United States illegally and currently is being held on an additional no bail detainer from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division.

Diaz is believed to have previously been detained on criminal charges in the U.S. and was deported to the Dominican Republic. Initial reports are that these charges were as a result of weapons and drug charges. In addition, there is an active warrant for Diaz originating in New York City.

Charges have also been filed against 28-year-old Alvin Hernandez Almanzar, of Camden. He has been charged with hindering the apprehension of Diaz, revoked driving, and having an expired driver's license after police say he picked up Diaz after the vehicle used to assault Officer Brennan was abandoned.

Diaz was initially detained by Officer Brennan as a suspect in a document fraud case after authorities say Diaz attempted to use a false identity and documents at the DMV in an attempt to gain additional government documents not in his real name. A female seen with Diaz at the DMV is still wanted for questioning and has not yet been identified.

Anyone with additional information should contact Detective Randy Petrick at 732-349-0150, extension 1235.