N.J. Man Tried To ‘Run Down’ Federal Agent With Jeep In Essex County: Prosecutor

NEWARK, NJ — A Hudson County man has been accused of attempting to “run down” a federal officer with a Jeep Grand Cherokee on Tuesday, authorities said.

Prosecutors allege that on July 19, federal law enforcement agents were conducting surveillance in Newark when they observed Hakim G. Taylor of Bayonne and other individuals “engage in suspected narcotics transactions," according to the U.S. Attorney General’s Office (NJ).

After learning of the presence of law enforcement officers, Taylor and another associate entered the Jeep Grand Cherokee with Taylor in the driver's seat, prosecutors said. As Taylor began to drive, law enforcement agents maneuvered themselves and their vehicles in an effort to box in and stop the Jeep.

At that time, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security special agent activated his undercover vehicle’s red and blue flashing emergency lights and exited to approach the Jeep, authorities said.

Prosecutors said that when the agent got out of the car he was wearing an external ballistic vest carrier marked with large, white letters stating "POLICE” on both the front and back. He then allegedly displayed a large, gold "Special Agent" badge, identified himself as a law enforcement officer and repeatedly ordered Taylor to stop, prosecutors said.

According to court documents, Taylor raised both of his hands above his head, then dropped one arm while keeping the other arm raised above his head.

Allegedly “fearing for his safety” and suspecting that Taylor was retrieving a weapon, the agent then drew his firearm and yelled “Police… Stop… Police… Don’t move.”

At that time, Taylor allegedly accelerated the car and aimed it at the agent, striking him and driving away, authorities charged. The Jeep then hit the federal agent on his left shoulder and arm, throwing him to the roadway where he suffered multiple lacerations and abrasions.

Emergency responders transported the injured agent to a nearby hospital emergency room, prosecutors said.

Authorities later identified Taylor as the suspected driver of the Jeep based on “witness interviews,” prosecutors stated.

Sign up for Patch NJ email newsletters here.