NCPD: Long Beach Man Attempts to Flee Traffic Stop Drug Bust, Drags Two Cops and Hits Three Vehicles
Island Park, NY - July 6, 2017 - The Fourth Squad reports the arrest of a Long Beach man for Assault that occurred on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at 7:25 pm in Island Park.
According to detectives, two Community Oriented Policing and Enforcement (COPE) officers on routine patrol observed a male in a white 2004 Chevrolet Express van near Austin Boulevard in what appeared to be a drug transaction. The officers performed a Vehicle Traffic Stop at the intersection of Austin Boulevard and Vanderbilt Avenue.
When the officers approached the vehicle, the driver attempted to place the vehicle in drive. One officer reached in the vehicle to prevent the subject from driving away, while the second officer opened the passenger door. The subject was able to place the automobile in drive and dragged the officers forward approximately 5 feet. The vehicle then struck three other automobiles.
After coming to a stop, the subject exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. After a struggle, officers were able to place defendant Darius Nellums, 49, under arrest.
Recovered in the center console of the automobile was a bag that contained 20 individually wrapped bags of a substance believed to be heroin.
Defendant Nellums is being charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd and 4th Degree, Assault 2nd Degree, 3 counts Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree, Unlawful Imprisonment, 3 counts of Reckless Endangerment 2nd Degree, Resisting Arrest, Obstruction of Government Administration and several Vehicle Traffic Laws. He will be arraigned on Thursday, July, 6, 2017 at First District Court, Hempstead.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.