Marcos Gonzalez, 28, pleaded guilty to one felony count of assault of a police officer Thursday.
The incident occurred Nov. 2, 2011 around 9:30 a.m. in the 1300 block of Brookhurst Street after Garden Grove Police Officer Starnes pulled Gonzalez over for not wearing a seatbelt.
While approaching the defendant's green 2002 four-door Infiniti Q35, Starnes smelled a strong odor of marijuana. The officer asked the defendant to step out of the vehicle and sit on the curb.
While the officer called for back-up, Gonzalez jumped back in his car. Officer Starnes attempted to stop the defendant but was knocked down after being hit by the driver's side door. Gonzalez then put the car into reverse and attempted to flee, meanwhile dragging Starnes several feet.
Officer Starnes was taken to the hospital and treated for moderate back injuries including abrasions and bruises.
According to a press release from the Orange County District Attorney's Office, Garden Grove Police Department officers arrested Gonzalez after a three-day manhunt on Nov. 5, 2011.
The suspect was sentenced Friday to six years for the assault, sentencing enhancements for causing great bodily injury, and his prior conviction in 2007 for possession of a controlled substance for sale.
