Wanted criminal Angel Padilla cut deal with prosecutors to avoid lengthy prison sentence

PHOENIX - A man wanted for firing more than three dozen rounds at a Phoenix police officer signed a plea deal to avoid a lengthy prison sentence according to court records obtained by ABC15.

Phoenix detectives said two weeks ago, Angel Padilla fired 37 rounds from an assault rifle hitting the officer's patrol car 19 times.

As the officer went for cover, Padilla managed to escape.

The 35-year-old, detectives said, is also wanted for kidnapping a woman and four armed home invasions this month.

While officers continue to search for Padilla, even offering a $5,000 reward, ABC15 has learned through court documents that Padilla killed a 15-year-old in 1998.

The documents show Padilla was originally facing several charges in connection with the teen's death including first degree murder, but prosecutors offered a plea deal on a guilty plea of second degree murder.

On May 25, 1998 Padilla, according to court documents, forced another driver off a Glendale road causing that car to flip.

Documents show Padilla and another man then made a U-turn and went back to the wrecked car, got out and beat the driver with a metal pole killing him.

Records show after Padilla signed the plea agreement with prosecutors, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the teen's killing rather than a maximum sentence of 22 years.

After serving the shorter sentence, Padilla was released from prison.

Phoenix detectives said they believe the wanted man is responsible for several crimes including trying to kill an officer, kidnapping a woman and five home invasions.

Silent Witness is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to his arrest.

Call 480-WITNESS to report information and remain anonymous.