An off-duty NYPD officer was dragged by an alleged hit-and-run driver as the victim tried to stop the suspect from fleeing in Seaford, Nassau County police said.
John Giordonello was driving a Ford Crown Victoria when he struck the officer’s car from behind on Sunrise Highway near the corner of Jackson Avenue at 9:26 p.m. Saturday, police said.
The 41-year-old Staten Island man punched the cop in the face when the victim tried to exchange information with him, police said.
The officer, who had his arm in the vehicle as he tried to keep the suspect from fleeing, was dragged through a nearby gas station, police said.
Giordonello fled but Nassau County Police K-9 apprehended him shortly later on Gilmartin Lane where he was hiding in the bushes, police siad.
Giordonello was charged with assault and reckless endangerment.
A judge set his bail at $10,000 bond or $5,000 cash. He is due back in court Tuesday.