PHOENIX (CBS5) -
A Phoenix police officer opened fire on a man driving a car that ran a red light and hit a patrol car Wednesday night.
Sgt. Tommy Thompson of the Phoenix Police Department said the suspect's car was seen running a red light at 59th Avenue and Indian School Road about 11:15 p.m. and officers began to follow the car.
The car then ran a stop sign in a neighborhood near 75th Avenue and rammed an officer's patrol car.
The officer and another police car followed the suspect into a restaurant parking lot and tried to hem him in but were rammed and the suspect drove off. The officer fired at the car in self-defense, Thompson said.
The suspect later failed to negotiate a turn and rolled his car. Thompson said the 21-year-old driver suffered severe injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. A 16-year-old girl also in the car and had minor injuries.
Thompson said the incident was still under investigation and that 75th Avenue between Osborn and Indian School roads was going to be closed through the morning rush hour.
The 27-year-old police officer who fired the shots was placed on administrative leave as per department policy, Thompson said. The officer has been a member of the Phoenix Police Department for four years.
He has minor injuries. His name is not being released at this time.
Police said the driver of the Mustang appears to have been impaired and charges are pending his release from the hospital, Thompson said.
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