A Garfield man with a learning disability is in critical condition after cops fired more than a dozen shots at his car when he allegedly backed into a police car.

John Kubasta, 42, allegedly failed to stop at a police checkpoint in his hometown of Garfield Sunday night. Investigators say after a slow pursuit, officers pulled Kubasta over on Route 19 and Board Street.

?At that point in time, he apparently put the car in reverse, backed into a Clifton police car and shot forward to leave,? Passaic County Prosecutor James Avigliano said. ?Three officers from the Clifton Police Department [then] opened fire.?

Investigators say the officers fired up to 15 shots.

Kubasta?s family said he just started driving a few years ago and he never had any problems while out on the road. ?He probably wasn?t aware of what was going on,? Kubasta?s sister Michele Verity said. ?He has a learning disability. At times, it takes him a little bit longer to process things.?

Kubasta is under police guard at St. Joseph?s Regional Medical Center. He is in critical condition with bullets near his heart and spine. He is facing charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault and eluding police.

The Passaic County prosecutor?s office is investigating to determine if the officer-involved shooting was justified. Meanwhile, Kubasta?s family has hired a lawyer.