Newark Cop Shoots, Wounds Driver Who Dragged Him

Authorities in northern New Jersey say a Newark police officer shot and wounded a man who allegedly drove off while the officer was hanging on the vehicle.

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray says that around 10 p.m. Saturday, two Newark officers noticed a vehicle circling an area known for drug activity. The driver eventually stopped there and got out, but returned to his vehicle when he saw the officers approach.

They asked the man to stop, but he instead drove off, dragging one officer about 100 yards. The officer then shot at the driver, who was hit at least once in the shoulder, and the car struck a building.

Both the officer and the suspect, neither of whom was identified, were hospitalized Sunday with injuries that aren't considered life-threatening.