Police nab 2 after gunman fires at officers during high-speed chase

By Rich Coleman

Published Tuesday, March 15, 2011 | 3:33 p.m.

Updated Tuesday, March 15, 2011 | 6:15 p.m.

Metro Police took two people into custody Tuesday after authorities say a man fired at officers as he led police on a high-speed chase in the northeast valley.

Police tried to stop a car about 2:30 p.m. after officers spotted a reckless driver in the area of Bonanza Road and Hollywood Boulevard, Metro spokesman Jay Rivera said. The vehicle had also run a red light, he said.

Officers tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to pull over, police said. Officers decided not to initiate a pursuit of the vehicle at that time.

Shortly after the first attempt to stop the car, officers in another patrol car tried to stop the driver, Rivera said. Police said the 24-year-old man behind the wheel began firing at police while driving a high speeds, prompting officers to pursue the car.

Police used a device to deflate the vehicle's tires in the area of Cartier Avenue and Nellis Boulevard, which ended the vehicle pursuit.

The man tried to run from the scene but was taken into custody after a brief struggle with officers, Rivera said. The man and one officer suffered minor injuries. A woman who was a passenger in the vehicle was also taken into custody.

Police recovered a gun inside the car, Rivera said. He said the man, whose name wasn't available Tuesday, would likely be charged with attempted murder of an officer and felony evading police.