Barnegat Man Accused Of Striking ICE Agent With His Van: Feds

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — A Barnegat man who authorities say is in the country illegally was charged with assaulting and injuring a federal officer after hitting an ICE agent with his van, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer said.

Eduardo Cruz Garcia, 39, had his first court appearance Tuesday and was ordered to be detained, Frazier said.

Cruz Garcia was identified as the driver of the van that struck the agent Monday, authorities said. The driver was initially incorrectly identified as Peruvian national Friedrich Castillo-Ormeno, who in an interview with Telemundo said he had left the U.S. months ago.

According to authorities, ICE stopped a white van driven by Cruz Garcia, approaching the vehicle from the driver and passenger sides.

The agents tried to speak with Cruz Garcia and his passenger and asked him to roll down the windows, but they refused, officials said.

Cruz Garcia is accused of then "weaponizing his vehicle" and driving forward towards the ICE agent, wedging him between his van and an ICE vehicle, authorities said.

The agent fell to the ground yelling in pain and Cruz Garcia hit another ICE vehicle before fleeing, officials said.

The ICE agent was injured on his thigh and shin and treated at a hospital, officials said.

The charge of assaulting a federal officer while the officer was engaged in official duties and inflicting bodily injury carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, Frazier said.

“As alleged, the defendant weaponized his vehicle and conducted an egregious assault on a federal law enforcement officer during the course of his official duties. The job is hard enough. Law enforcement must be able to carry out their duties without fear of obstruction or even worse, assault. Our office will hold accountable those whom harm officers to ensure they can protect our communities without repercussions,” Frazier said.