Witness Recalls Fugitive Dragging US Marshal on I-805

The fugitive accused of dragging a deputy U.S. marshal more than 100 yards on a San Diego freeway last July appeared in court Wednesday.

Matthew Motsenbocker appeared solemn and still as he was led into the courtroom in handcuffs Wednesday morning.

Motsenbocker faces several charges -- including assault with a deadly weapon -- for the incident on July 6 that led to the hospitalization of  the deputy US marshal who was trying to stop him. 

According to police reports, Motsenbocker was the passenger of a car pulled over on the I-805 near Balboa Avenue. 

When the driver jumped out of the car and was taken into custody, Motsenbocker reportedly got into the driver's seat and took off, investigators said. At the time, Motsenbocker was wanted on burglary and firearms charges and was under surveillance by the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force.

"One of the agents reached into the vehicle and made an attempt to grab the keys and and turn the vehicle off," said San Diego police captain Terry McManus in a previous article.

IMAGES: I-805 Officer Shooting

The deputy U.S. marshal was dragged more than 100 yards down the road before he was tossed from the vehicle, officials said. He then managed to pull out his weapon and shoot the suspect in the torso, bringing the speeding vehicle to a halt.

The agent, although injured himself, rendered aid to Motsenbocker, McManus said.

The first witness to take the stand at Wednesday's preliminary hearing said she saw the deputy US marshal get thrown from the car and roll across lanes on the roadway.

She then saw a man step out of the car, hold his stomach and say "I've been shot." However, she could not identify the suspect in court because the man she saw step out of the car was wearing a hat. 

Emergency workers transported the injured agent to Scripps La Jolla Hospital. He was released a few days later.

Motsenbocker was also transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

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