A Hudson County, New Jersey, man appeared in court today on charges he tried to run down a federal officer with a 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee, U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman announced.
Hakim G. Taylor, a/k/a “Scott Taylor,” a/k/a “Hakeem Horton,” a/k/a “Anthony Lance,” a/k/a “Hakim Smith,” of Bayonne, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with assault on a federal officer. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court and was detained.
According to the complaint:
On July 19, 2016, federal law enforcement agents were conducting surveillance in Newark when they observed Taylor and other individuals engage in suspected narcotics transactions. Upon being alerted to the presence of law enforcement officers, Taylor and another associate entered the Jeep Grand Cherokee, with Taylor in the driver’s seat.
According to authorities, Taylor began to drive, law enforcement agents maneuvered themselves and their vehicles in an effort to box in the Jeep to conduct further investigation.
A special agent of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), identified in the complaint as “Victim One,” activated his red and blue flashing emergency lights and exited his undercover vehicle to approach the Jeep. The agent was wearing an HSI-issued external ballistic vest carrier, which is marked with large white letters stating “POLICE – HSI” on both the front and back and also displays a large gold “Special Agent” badge.
The agent identified himself as police and repeatedly ordered Taylor to stop and not to move. Taylor accelerated the Jeep and aimed it toward the agent, striking the agent as Taylor drove away.
The agent was hit on his left shoulder and arm by the Jeep, and the momentum of the impact threw the agent to the road, causing multiple lacerations and abrasions.
The agent was subsequently treated at a hospital emergency room. If convicted, Taylor faces a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of HSI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Terence S. Opiola, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Raney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office General Crimes Unit.
The charge and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defense Counsel: John Yauch Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark