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Suspect Crashes Stolen Boston Police Cruiser After Gunfire, Wild Chase

BOSTON (CBS) – A Boston police cruiser was stolen early Friday morning, leading officers on a wild chase.

Police officers first spotted Wilfredo Rodriguez, 37, of Boston, allegedly trying to break into cars on Baxter Street around 3:45 a.m.

WBZ NewsRadio 12030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports

Suspect Crashes Stolen Boston Police Cruiser After Gunfire, Wild Chase

As officers started chasing him on foot, Rodriguez allegedly hopped in the idling cruiser and took off.

Police say he struck one officer with the cruiser and tried to run over a second officer in the process of escaping.

Police opened fire on the cruiser as it sped off. Rodriguez was not hit by any gunfire.

Officers chased the car to the area near JFK MBTA stop on Old Colony Avenue, when the stolen cruiser crashed into a guard rail.

Police say they were able to corner the Rodriguez and arrest him.

He faces charges of assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, larceny of a motor vehicle and breaking and entering.

Wilfredo Rodriguez
Wilfredo Rodriguez (Photo from Boston Police)

Two officers reportedly were treated for minor injuries.

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