CARMEL – A target of an ongoing criminal investigation rammed police cars and led police on a chase before being caught on April 3, 2024, in Putnam County, according to Sheriff Kevin McConville. The suspect, Francisco Javi Gomez, 20, is a resident of Norwalk, Connecticut.
According to the sheriff, the investigation into Gomez began in mid-March and indicates Gomez was enticing a 13-year-old on social media to engage in sexual activity with him.
When police confronted Gomez on April 3, he rammed his vehicle into both unmarked and marked police vehicles and then sped away. The pursuit was abbreviated after spike strips were deployed and the suspect’s vehicle was disabled and he was taken into custody.
Gomez was processed and charged with the felonies of attempted rape, attempt to disseminate indecent material to a minor, and dissemination of indecent material to a minor, as well as misdemeanor criminal mischief. He was arraigned and remanded to the Putnam County Jail on $100,000 cash bail or $200,000 bond.
The investigation was conducted by the Putnam County Sheriff, Homeland Security, and the Rockland County DA’s Office.
Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh said, “Protecting innocent children from predators using the internet or social media to target them for nefarious reasons is a top priority for my office. The arrest of the defendant is a stark reminder of the dangers facing minors online. We will continue to work with our partners on the federal and local level to keep our children and community safe.”
