PD: Teens detained after firing shots, trying to flee from Phoenix police

AVONDALE, AZ - Two teens were detained early Saturday when they tried to flee from police after they were seen firing gun shots in an Avondale neighborhood.

Phoenix police Sgt. Steve Martos said officers stationed near 113th Avenue and Hadley witnessed the 14-year-old passenger of an SUV randomly discharging a firearm around 1:15 a.m.

Officers followed the vehicle and tried to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver fled, prompting a police pursuit.

Martos said police continued their chase until the 17-year-old driver attempted to drive through a chain-link fence on a dead-end road near Interstate 10 and Dysart Road.

Officers stopped their vehicle behind the suspect's SUV and gave commands for the driver to stop.

The teen then backed his car up, ramming the patrol vehicle. The officer, fearing for his life and attempting to stop the threat, reportedly fired his weapon. The vehicle occupants then surrendered.

No one was injured during the altercation.

Martos said the driver was detained by detectives for alleged aggravated assault on a police officer. The front passenger was detained by Avondale police for a Shannon's law violation.

There were seven other people inside the SUV, ranging in age from 12 to 17 years old, that were detained for questioning.