Man Hits, Drags Middletown Police Officer

Numerous charges — including attempted murder — have been filed against a Monmouth County man who allegedly struck and dragged a police officer who was trying to arrest him on several warrants.

Bail was set at $882,500 for 37-year-old Gregory Canova of Middletown, who also is accused of injuring another officer.

Authorities say Middletown Police Cpl. Daniel Murdoch was trying to arrest Canova around 11 a.m. Sunday when he was struck by Canova's vehicle. Murdoch was then dragged a short distance when Canova drove off.

Another Middletown officer, Sgt. Charles Terefenko, began pursuing Canova, who allegedly rammed the officer's patrol car. But Canova was soon captured after his vehicle crashed.

Murdoch and Terefenko were treated at a hospital for undisclosed injuries and were released later Sunday.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)