Suspect leads LCPD on high-speed chase; Police officer fires gun and strikes SUV

A traffic stop led to a high speed chase that ended with several law enforcement units damaged and an officer on foot firing rounds toward the suspect vehicle, police said.

Shortly before 3:30 p.m., a Las Cruces Police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a black SUV near the intersection of Picacho Avenue and Melendres Street. As the officer exited his unit to approach the SUV, the driver allegedly sped off.

Police said the driver of the SUV attempted to elude officers but struck several law enforcement units during the pursuit through a residential neighborhood just north of Picacho Avenue. During the pursuit, a Las Cruces Police officer fired at least one round toward the SUV, striking the vehicle but not the driver.

The driver was eventually taken into custody near the intersection of Picacho Avenue and 3rd Street.

At least two LCPD units received extensive damage but no major injuries were reported. No charges have been filed. The shooting remains under investigation by LCPD and the FBI.