Feds drop charges against New Jersey man accused of stealing DEA agent’s car

The case of a man accused of attempting to steal a DEA agent’s car was dismissed just weeks after charges were filed against him.

U.S. Justice of the Peace Sarah Netburn dismissed the case against 32-year-old Zach Bell on Tuesday in Manhattan Federal Court at the request of U.S. Attorney’s Office, which declined to comment on the firing.

Bell was arrested in Lower Manhattan on December 9 and badly injured by a DEA agent, a seven-year veteran assigned to the New York City Drug Enforcement Task Force, who punched him in the face, causing injuries that required hospitalization, according to a court order. documents and Bell’s lawyer.

Lawyer Ariel Werner, who initially told The Post that the incident was a misunderstanding and not a car theft, said they were pleased with the prosecution’s decision to close the case.

“Firstly, he should never have been charged, but we are glad that the government realized its mistake and sought the only fair solution,” she said.