Published on June 15 | Updated on June 17
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — An undocumented immigrant has been charged with assaulting an ICE agent in Stafford Township, Ocean County, after authorities said he struck the agent with a van and fled earlier this week.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey said 39-year-old Eduardo Cruz Garcia weaponized his vehicle and conducted an “egregious assault” on a federal law enforcement officer.
ICE agents had stopped a white van along Route 72 in Manahawkin on Monday as part of an investigation. When asked to roll down the windows, officials said Cruz Garcia, who was driving, and his passenger refused.
Cruz Garcia then took off, striking an agent who was standing next to the van. The agent suffered injuries to his shin and thigh.
An ICE vehicle parked nearby was also struck. The agent reportedly fired at the van.
Officials said the agent became wedged between the van and an ICE vehicle. He received medical treatment at an area hospital.
Cruz Garcia was eventually apprehended.
He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a possible fine of $250,000.
Authorities said the agents were originally stopping the vehicle to talk with the passenger, Friedrich Castillo-Ormeno, identified as an immigrant from Peru who is also allegedly undocumented. Castillo-Ormeno’s whereabouts are unknown.
The agent fired shots after being struck by the van, officials said
The agent fired shots after being struck by the van, officials said
