Placentia woman arrested after allegedly dragging daughter, assaulting an officer

PLACENTIA, Calif. - A woman is in custody after allegedly dragging her 8-year-old daughter with her vehicle and assaulting a peace officer in Placentia, police said.

Officers responded at 11:37 p.m. Thursday to the 400 block of Orchard Drive regarding reports of a girl hanging onto the outside of a vehicle with a woman behind the wheel, said Sgt. Joseph Gillis of the Placentia Police Department.

According to police, 44-year-old Erin Garcia. was intoxicated when she decided to leave her mother’s home. Garcia’s daughter was concerned about her driving and followed her out to the vehicle. Police say the child grabbed the passenger’s door handle and told Garcia to stop. However, Garcia proceeded to drive away dragging her child alongside the vehicle for approximately 300 feet.

A male bystander and the child's grandmother attempted to intervene but Garcia allegedly struck him with her vehicle and drove away.

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When officers responded to the home, they located Garcia hiding behind the bushes in the backyard. Officers attempted to take Garcia into custody but she resisted and kicked at officers. 

The girl and the bystander were taken to a hospital and treated for injuries.

Garcia was taken into custody and transported to Orange County Jail on the following charges: assault with a deadly weapon, child endangerment, battery against a Peace Officer, resist a Peace Officer.

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