NEWARK, N.J. (AP)  -- There were several high-speed chases in recent days involving police in Essex County. A chase late Tuesday night landed a Union County Sheriff's Officer in the hospital.


Terry Sheridan Reports

A Jeep fleeing police hit Officer Christopher Coon's vehicle in Elizabeth at around 10:30 p.m. Coon, 28, is the sheriff's stepson and a 5 year veteran of the department. 

He is listed in extremely critical condition at University Hospital, with head injuries, multiple broken bones and a collapsed lung, officials said.

The driver of the Jeep, Whalid Dozier, 31, was wanted in connection with an armed robbery. The Jeep was going over 100 miles per hour when it hit Coon's car, police said.

Coon and his partner were not involved in the pursuit but may have been responding to the situation.

Dozier's rap sheet includes at least eight felonies, police said.