The Tribune

By DANA SMITH

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

A HIGH-SPEED police chase ended in gunfire, leaving two officers injured, a man with "multiple gunshot injuries," and possibly two others on the run.

The 22-year-old was shot several times by police yesterday around 9.30am at Season Street, off Prince Charles Drive.

He was injured while officers were in pursuit of a man who had allegedly robbed a residence.

Local residents said they heard gunshots resonate in the usually "quiet" neighbourhood, though admitted house break-ins have become a problem in the area.

Supt Stephen Dean said: "Police received information of a house break-in in progress at Monastery Park. Police officers responded and upon arrival on the scene, they saw a suspicious grey Honda vehicle. The vehicle sped off and a chase ensued that ended in the Canterbury Park area at a cul-de-sac."

The driver sped along Prince Charles Drive before turning on to Season Street, a dead-end.

Supt Dean explained that when the car came to a stop, officers got our of their police car and "asked the suspect to come out."

He said the driver refused and reversed into the standing officers, injuring one. Police also report the Honda had crashed into another police car during the pursuit, causing "damage and injuries" to the police car and an officer inside.

"It was at that point police knew it was a danger scene - their life was in danger," Supt Dean said. "The car refused to stop. Police withdrew their service revolvers - weapons (and) fired at the vehicle."

It was then the man received multiple gunshot injuries and was taken to hospital where he is detained in serious condition.

The two officers who were injured as a result of the chase were also taken to hospital.

A local resident who wished to remain anonymous said he had "spoken with neighbours" about the incident and there are reports that "two other men" were in the car.

Supt Dean said: "Police are receiving information that others might be involved. Based on the scenario we believe that the suspect was not acting alone but as the investigation develops we will be able to determine whether the suspect was alone or there were other persons involved."

Valencia Glinton, a local resident, called the shooting "shocking." She said she was made aware of the situation when her daughter called her at work.

"My daughter, who was at home, called me and said they heard multiple shots. About thirteen shots," Mrs Glinton said.

"This a quiet neighbourhood, very quiet, so anybody coming through this neighbourhood is uncanny. It's very surprising. Dogs and birds, that's all you hear around here."

However, Mrs Glinton admitted that her "quiet" neighbourhood was not exempt from crime.

"I think it was about a month ago they had a break-in during the day - the neighbour down there," she said. "That was a shocker for the neighbour in the back, they were bold enough to pull out her security screen and that was in the broad daylight."

Another area resident stated: "We've dealt with this situation before. House break-ins are a big problem in the east."

Supt Dean said police are "actively investigating" the reported home robbery and the shooting.