Mesa man accused of shooting at trooper during pursuit that ended in Gilbert crash

Suspect shoots at trooper during Gilbert pursuit: DPS

A man was taken into custody after shots were fired at a trooper during a pursuit in the East Valley that ended in a rollover crash, authorities said. FOX 10's Irene Snyder reports.

GILBERT, Ariz. - A man was taken into custody after shots were fired at a trooper during a pursuit in the East Valley that ended in a rollover crash, authorities said.

The incident began at around 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 26 when the Arizona Department of Public Safety said a trooper observed a gray Nissan sedan speeding in the westbound lanes of the Loop 202 near Power Road.

The trooper tried to pull over the car, but the driver did not stop and a pursuit ensued.

During the pursuit, the suspect allegedly shot at the trooper. DPS says the trooper was not hurt, and no bullets struck the trooper's patrol vehicle.

"At this time, we do not have any reports of any other parties or vehicles being struck by gunfire," DPS added.

The suspect lost control of his car while exiting the freeway at Williams Field Road. DPS says he hit three other vehicles and rolled over. The suspect was taken into custody by troopers. He was identified as 22-year-old Christopher Mendez, a Mesa resident.

A man was taken into custody after shots were fired at a trooper during a pursuit in the East Valley that ended in a rollover crash, authorities said.

Mendez suffered minor injuries in the crash and was taken to a hospital. DPS says he will be booked into jail on multiple felony charges.

Williams Field was shut down overnight in the area, but it has since been reopened.