don't with the sa police!

Web Posted: 01/10/2005 11:17 AM CST

Mariano Castillo
Express-News Staff Writer

A police chase this morning on the city’s West Side ended with an officer shooting a man accused of stealing a purse.

The incident began at about 10 this morning near Memorial High School on the city's West Side. A woman flagged down a police officer to say that a man had stolen her purse. She then pointed out a gray Toyota Camry leaving the area.

The motorcycle police officer began to follow the Camry, and it accelerated to a high rate of speed. The pursuit continued to the 100 block of Inez Street, where the Camry’s driver reached a dead end.

Police spokesman Gabe Trevino said the Camry turned around and headed at high speed toward the officer, who police believe had gotten off his motorcycle. The car ran over the motorcycle, totaling it, and the officer fired at least one shot, striking the driver.

The suspect kept driving until he reached the 2500 block of Waverly, where he pulled over and asked a neighborhood resident for help. The woman called 911, and officers converged on the scene.

The man was taken to University Hospital. His condition and the location of his gunshot wound have not been released.

The police officer received minor injuries and will be taken to a hospital for treatment after giving a statement, police said. In accordance with routine procedure, he will be placed on administrative duty while the shooting is investigated.

Potential charges against the man include robbery, evading arrest and attempted capital murder, police said.