The Associated Press
LONG ISLAND, NY — An innocent motorist is paying a heavy price for being caught in the way of a police chase on Long Island.
The 46-year-old woman suffered a fractured spine early Friday when her SUV was struck by a carjacking suspect as he sped away from a police cruiser.
The wreck happened in Hempstead. The 27-year-old suspect was captured as he fled on foot after the crash.
A spokesman for the Hempstead Village Police declined to comment when asked whether the case complied with department guidelines.
The carjacking suspect faces charges of assault and armed robbery.