Deputy shoots knee-driving car thief who allegedly
commandeered squad car
09-23-2000
Policeone Staff Report

(POMPANO BEACH, Fla.) - After a satellite-assisted, GPS high-tech collar, a
suspected car thief, hands cuffed behind his back allegedly commandeered a
squad car, steered it towards deputies with his knees and was shot before the
vehicle crashed, police said.

Ronald Facchiano, 48, a/k/a john Fachano, a/k/a John Falcano, managed to
steer the Cadillac Escalade for 12 blocks, sideswiping vehicles until the SUV
crashed into a wall Thursday, authorities said.

Facchiano, who refused to identify himself to police is hospitalized at North
Broward Medical Center with a single bullet wound to the chest. He has been
charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, possession of
cocaine, escape and grand theft auto, authorities said.

The sheriff's office said that Facchiano stole the 2001 SUV  from a construction
site after a construction executive had left the vehicle's door open and car key
on the floor.

As a result of Onstar technology the vehicle was quickly located with the
suspect spotted next to it. When he was searched, Facchiano had the vehicle's
keys in his pockets, Broward Sheriffs Office Spokesman Jim Leliedal said.

Facchiano was placed under arrest with his hands cuffed behind his back and
then put in the back seat of the police car. A sheriff's office spokesman said the
vehicle was left running to keep air conditioning emergency lights functioning.

But as deputies were outside the vehicle completing their paperwork, Facchiano
allegedly squeezed through an opening in the partition separating the back of
the squad car from the front.

Facchiano floored the accelerator, according to police and witnesses. As he
drove the squad car toward them, using his knees to steer, a Broward Sheriff's
officer fire one or two shots, fearing for his life, according to Leljedal.

The wounded suspect continued to drive for 12 blocks as the police car
sideswiped another vehicle before it crashed into a wall outside a condominium
complex, authorities said.

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