One Man Critical After Police-Involved Shooting

A man who allegedly stole an SUV out of Jersey City, then hit a woman in Newark's North Ward and dragged her down the street was in critical condition Monday night after allegedly being shot in the head by police, according to officials.

Essex County Prosecutor's Office officials said the 44-year-old man is listed in critical condition at University Hospital after he was shot in the Volkswagon SUV near the corner of Mount Prospect Avenue and Mt. Prospect Place around 6:15 p.m. Monday.

Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio told reporters at the scene officers received a call from a woman in Jersey City who reported her vehicle stolen. A police officer from the Second precinct was able to find the vehicle using its security tracking device, according to officials.

When the officer, a 17-year veteran of the Newark Police Department, approached the SUV, the man attempted to flee in the vehicle, striking a woman walking along Mount Prospect Avenue and dragging her down the street. The officer then shot into the SUV, striking the man "somewhere in the head," DeMaio said.

Police did not identify the man who was shot or the officer involved. The woman, 32, is in stable condition and is alert and speaking with police at the hospital, according to officials.

The scene buzzed with police and media Monday night. The shooting occurred across the street from the North Ward Center, a nonprofit community organization, run by Newark power broker Steve Audubato Sr. The SUV had crashed into a tree at the corner and blood was visible on the passenger seat. A Bud Ice beer can and a car seat also could be seen in the SUV.

Carlos Chary, who lives on Summer Avenue, said he heard three gunshots while outside on his porch.

"I knew it was around here because it was so clear," said Chary, who has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years.

Residents described the corner of Mount Prospect and Second avenues, which houses Fine Fare International Supermarket and a bodega, as a drug hot-spot. The avenue has also been known for drag racing, according to a resident who lives in an apartment complex nearby.

ECPO's Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force and Newark Internal Affairs are investigating.

This is a breaking news story. Continue to check Patch for updates.

– Joshua Wilwohl contributed to this report