Cop Critically Hurt Chasing Down Cell Phone Suspect

A Santa Rosa police officer who was hurt while chasing after an alleged cell phone thief is fighting for her life.

Officer Lucia Wade was hit by a car Sunday as she chased a man who was suspected of shoving another man to the ground and stealing his cell phone a day earlier.

Wade was making a security check at the Denny's restaurant on Baker Ave. when she recognized Manuel Santiago, 43, from a crime bulletin.

Witnesses say as she approached Santiago he ran out the front door and across the street.  Wade ran after him, but was hit by an oncoming car as she crossed Santa Rosa Ave.

That driver stopped and is not faceing any charges.

Santiago was arrested about ten minutes later.  He now faces felony charges.

Officer Wade is listed in critical condition at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.

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