Drug Buyer Assaulted, Injured County Officer, Police Say

A suburban drug buyer who attacked a Camden County Police officer now faces multiple charges following an incident in North Camden, police said.

Christopher Toms, 24, of Runnemede, tossed objects from the car he was riding in, then took off running from a car stop around 3rd and State streets at10:12 a.m. Friday, police said.

Officer Keith Hogle chased down Toms, who tossed several bags of heroin while running, police said. When Hogle caught Toms and went to arrest him, the Runnemede man shoved the officer to the ground, police said, breaking Hogle’s arm.

Hogle was still able to radio a description of Toms and indicate to other officers where Toms had headed after taking off running again, and other officers were able to arrest him, police said.

Hogle’s arm was broken badly enough to require surgery, police said, and he was treated at Cooper University Hospital in Camden.

“Suburban drug buyers contribute to the problems with open air drug markets by more than just being the life blood. Clearly they pose a great risk to residents and officers alike,” said Chief J. Scott Thomson. “We’re proud of Officer Hogle for his courageous police work and display of tremendous professionalism, despite being injured, that led to a dangerous felon's apprehension.”

In the wake of the incident, Toms faces four charges—second-degree aggravated assault of a police officer, third-degree resisting arrest, third-degree obstruction of justice and possession of heroin. He was taken to the Camden County Jail in default of $35,000 bail.