By Anna Gustafson
A Flushing man was charged with attempting to murder an on-duty police officer after he allegedly slammed his car into the officer who was trying to arrest him for selling marijuana last week, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.
Martin Garcia, 25, of Flushing, allegedly offered to sell nine bags of marijuana for $100 to the undercover cop participating in a buy-and-bust operation at the corner of 147th Street and Roosevelt Avenue around 5 p.m. Friday, the DA said. When the sale was completed, the undercover cop signaled for the police field team to move in and arrest Garcia, Brown said.
Within seconds of this signal, an unmarked police vehicle pulled in front of Garcia’s car to block him in and three officers, including NYPD Detective Cleland Francis, approached Garcia’s car with their shields displayed and yelling, “Police, stop,” according to the DA. Garcia then reversed his car about 5 feet before driving toward the police officers, running over Francis with the vehicle’s front driver’s tire, Brown said.
Garcia then continued to drive on the sidewalk to the end of the block and fled the scene, the DA said. Garcia’s attorney did not return a phone call for comment.
Francis was taken to a Queens hospital and was treated for two broken legs and a broken right ankle, Brown said.
“The defendant is accused of serious felonies, including attempting to murder a police officer who was simply doing his job,” Brown said. “This case once again underscores the serious and dangerous nature of police work and the sacrifices that our police officers make in serving and protecting our city. This case will be vigorously prosecuted.”
Garcia has been charged with attempted aggravated murder, first- and second-degree attempted murder, aggravated assault upon a police officer, assault, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal sale of marijuana, according to the DA.
Garcia’s attorney did not return a request for comment.
Reach reporter Anna Gustafson by e-mail at agustafson@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4574.
