Pretrial motions will be heard today (Thursday) in the case of Marcos Gonzalez, a Fullerton man accused of running over a Garden Grove policeman with his car.
Gonzalez faces charges of felony assault on a police officer in connection with an incident that took place on Nov. 2, 2011. A motorcycle officer pulled Gonzalez’ car over for not wearing a seat belt, but the incident quickly escalated.
When GGPD Officer Chuck Starnes walked up to the Infiniti, he smelled what appeared to be marijuana. Gonzalez was ordered out of the car, but when Starnes called for backup, the suspect ran back to his car, it is alleged.
From there a struggle ensued and Starnes was knocked over by the opening of a door. Still clinging to the door, Starnes’ legs were run over and he was dragged several feet.
The suspect left the scene, but Gonzalez was arrested on Nov. 5 as he rode in a car Eastvale in Riverside County. The officer suffered bruises and abrasions but no bones were broken.
If convicted, Gonzalez, who was 28 at the time of his arrest, could face up to nine years in prison.
