Previously Deported Man Held In Toms River Cop Assault: Police

TOMS RIVER, NJ -- A New York man who police say appears to be in the United States illegally and who was previously deported on drug and weapons charges has been charged with attempted murder in Tuesday’s incident where a Toms River police officer was hit and dragged by a car, authorities said.

Giomar Diaz, 33, whose last listed address was East 172 Street in the Bronx, is being held on $500,000 bail on charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault on a police officer, and resisting arrest, said Ralph Stocco, spokesman for the Toms River Police Department.

Additionally, Stocco said there is a no-bail detainer on Diaz from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division because he appears to be in the United States illegally. He is believed to have previously been detained on criminal charges in the United States and was deported to the Dominican Republic. Initial reports are that these charges were as a result of weapons and drug charges, Stocco said.

Stocco said there also is an active warrant for Diaz out of New York City.

Diaz is accused of hitting Toms RIver Police Officer Daniel Brennan on Tuesday afternoon when Diaz jumped into a car and threw it in reverse to get away while Brennan was questioning him in connection with document fraud flagged by staff at the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission office in Silverton. Diaz was attempting to use a false identity and documents at the MVC in an attempt to gain additional government documents not in his real name, Stocco said.

Brennan was trapped between the driver’s door and driver’s seat and dragged 25 yards before falling. Stocco on Wednesday morning said Brennan had been released from the hospital after treatment of his injuries.

In addition to the charges against Diaz, Alvin A. Hernandez Almanzar, 28, of Marlton Avenue in Camden, was arrested and charged with hindering the apprehension of Diaz, driving while on the revoked list and having an expired driver’s license, Stocco said.

Hernandez Almanzar is accused of picking Diaz up after Diaz abandoned the Honda he was driving at the time of the assault on Brennan, Stocco said. Bail has not yet been set for Hernandez Almanzar, he said.

A woman who was seen with Diaz at the MVC office on Hooper Avenue in Silverton is still wanted for questioning and has not been identified, Stocco said.

“We want to thank the MVC Staff, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, and local citizens who provided information that led to the capture of these two men. We also would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the diligent efforts of our communications and dispatch team who coordinated the flood of incoming information,” Stocco said.

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