Driver accused of intentionally hitting Suffolk police officer with car arrested after 5-week manhunt

Officials say 20-year-old Christian Castillo of Ronkonkoma hit an officer, and two police cruisers, with a Mercedes last month.

News 12 Staff

Apr 16, 2023, 1:50 PM

Updated 606 days ago

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A five-week investigation led to the arrest of a Ronkonkoma man who police say targeted police officers with his vehicle.
Christian Castillo, 20, was arraigned Sunday on charges second-degree assault, criminal mischief and resisting arrest.
He was arrested Saturday night for allegedly ramming a Mercedes Benz into a Suffolk police officer, and two police cruisers on March 9 on 50th Street in North Lindenhurst.
According to prosecutors, an officer in an unmarked car tried to pull Castillo over as part of an investigation into a fatal drug overdose in the area. That is when police say Castillo took aim at the officer with his car.
"He could have killed that officer," said Suffolk Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison.
Late last month, Suffolk police offered a $5,000 reward for information that led to Castillo's arrest. The five-week long manhunt ended Saturday when police received a Crime Stoppers tip that Castillo was at a hideout on Long Tree Lane in Moriches.
"We had an observation team set up on him. We saw him leave the location, we moved in on him, there was a short foot pursuit and then we were able to apprehend him last night," Harrison recounted.
The judge set bail for Castillo at $500,000 or $1 million bond. Prosecutors say the investigation into the fatal overdose in North Lindenhurst is ongoing and Castillo may face more charges.
Police say the injured officer is still recovering from a concussion and broken wrist but is expected to be back on the job soon.