Clark mayor backs police in altercation with 61-year-old

CLARK (AP) — A 61-year-old Union County woman was critically injured after an altercation with a police officer over the weekend.

ABC 7 reports Antoinette Dilorio was injured Friday while intervening in the traffic stop of her son in Clark.

Dilorio's son, Fortunato Riga, says police were pulling him out of his car for running a stop sign when his mother got involved. Police say Dilorio jumped on an officer's back, but the family claims that's not true.

Clark Mayor Sal Bonaccorso says Riga refused to provide his license before the officer pulled him out of the car.

Dilorio's front teeth were knocked out during the altercation and she suffered multiple fractures.

Bonaccorso says he has no reason to believe the officer acted unprofessionally and he will remain on the job.

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