Dirt Biker Who Dragged Cop Into Middle Of Route 22 Sentenced

NORTH PLAINFIELD, NJ – A Plainfield man, who dragged a police officer into the middle of Route 22, was to 364 days in jail.

On Friday, Victor Ogando-Marte, 39, currently of Plainfield, was sentenced on his conviction for third-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, third-degree resisting arrest, and disorderly persons inflicting bodily injury with a deadly weapon.

At sentencing, Judge Peter J. Tober noted the strong need to deter Ogando-Marte and others from engaging in this type of conduct.

On April 13, 2022, Ogando-Marte was driving an illegal dirt bike on Route 22 in North Plainfield, along with about 15 to 20 others.

Testimony revealed that, during rush hour, the dirt bike pack was driving recklessly by weaving in and out of traffic, popping wheelies, and obstructing the passage of other vehicles, said authorities.

Near the intersection of Rock Avenue, Officer James Kirchner of the North Plainfield Police Department tried to stop Ogando-Marte.

During this attempted arrest, Ogando-Marte inflicted bodily injury on the officer using the dirt bike by dragging him from the shoulder into the middle of the highway, said authorities.

Once on the ground, Ogando-Marte actively resisted arrest, while other dirt bikers circled and attacked the officer, said authorities.

"Thanks to the intervention of Good Samaritans, 911 callers, off-duty police officers, and responding backup, the Defendant was ultimately subdued. The remaining dirt bikes fled the scene," said authorities.

On Sept. 13, 2024, a Somerset County Jury convicted Ogando-Marte of third-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, third-degree resisting arrest, and disorderly persons inflicting bodily injury with a deadly weapon.

At sentencing, Ogando-Marte was also found guilty of disorderly persons hindering, disorderly persons obstruction, and a number of motor vehicle offenses.

During trial, the State was represented by Assistant Prosecutor Ryan A. Quiñones, with the assistance of Litigation Paralegal Tiffany Gordon.

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