Driver shoots at St. Paul police, crashes into parked car before arrest

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - A driver was arrested in St. Paul late Monday night after shooting at police, then crashing into a parked vehicle, according to authorities. 

Driver shoots at St. Paul police

What we know:

The St. Paul Police Department said an officer stopped a driver around 11 p.m. for a traffic violation near Central Avenue and Chatsworth Street, but the driver fled the scene. 

Another officer later located the driver and began to follow, but while waiting for backup, the driver fled once again. As the officer continued to the vehicle, police said the suspect fired shots at the officer from inside the car. 

"The Officer saw several muzzle flashes and the rear window of the suspect vehicle shattering. The Officer did not return fire," police said in a press release. 

The driver continued to flee before crashing into a parked vehicle on the 800 block of Fuller Avenue. After the crash, the driver attempted to walk away but was taken into custody. Police said an AR15-style rifle was located in the suspect's vehicle. 

The man was taken to Regions Hospital following the crash and later booked into the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center. 

Officers revisited the shooting scene, but found no evidence of damage to nearby homes. No injuries were reported from the shooting, according to police.

"We think this is a very important and very dangerous case for our city," St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry said on Tuesday. "Clearly, this person made some terrible decisions last night. We’re very, very lucky."

What we don't know:

St. Paul police did not specify what the initial traffic violation was or whether the shooting caused any damage beyond the suspect’s vehicle. 

The driver has not been officially charged as of Tuesday morning.