A woman called the police to report that her vehicle had been stolen in /*Jersey City*/. Police were able to track the Volkwagen SUV by its security tracking device to /*Newark*/
When police responded, the suspect, 44-year-old Adrian Facto, drove off on the 300 block of Mount Prospect Avenue around 6:15 p.m. Monday. He then hit an innocent bystander and began dragging her.
That's when a 17-year veteran of the Newark Police Department opened fire, striking the suspect in the head.
The 32-year-old woman was rushed to University Hospital in stable condition.
The Facto was also taken to University Hospital in critical condition.
"The suspect in the stolen vehicle attempted to make his getaway by driving across the sidewalk," Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio said. "He struck a pedestrian and dragged her with his car. Had it not been for the officer's quick response, the woman could have been killed. The 17-year veteran officer was not hurt but saved the pedestrian's life. I commend the officer for his heroic actions."
Facto faces charges of receiving stolen property, aggravated assault, resisting arrest and eluding charges.
