PD: Man wanted for shooting at Phoenix police suspected in string of Valley crimes

PHOENIX - A suspect wanted in connection with an officer-involved shooting earlier this month has been tied to a string of other violent crimes across the Valley.

Police are continuing to search for Angel Padilla, on the run since October 13, when he kidnapped his estranged girlfriend from her Phoenix home, then opened fire on an officer who tried to pull him over .

Investigators tell ABC15 Padilla fired 37 shots at the officer from an assault rifle.

The officer's patrol car was hit 19 times, but the officer was not injured.

"It was a very brazen and violent act," said Silent Witness spokesman Sgt. Darren Burch. "We can't reiterate enough or that it's just luck or thank heaven that the officer was able to survive that attack."

Phoenix police Sgt. Steve Martos said Padilla has been identified as a suspect in as many as five home invasions across the Phoenix area since August 1 including four in the past three weeks.

Police believe Padilla may be receiving assistance from others as he continues to evade authorities.

Martos said anyone found to be helping Padilla could face felony charges.

Anyone who comes across Padilla is urged to use caution as he is considered armed and dangerous and has a propensity for violence, according to Martos.

Silent Witness has increased their reward to $5,000 and anyone with information is encouraged to call the Phoenix Police Department's Violent Crimes Bureau at 602-262-6141. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous is asked to call 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO.