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Suspect booked into jail after Valley-wide pursuit, officer-involved shooting in July

Posted at 7:10 AM, Aug 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-22 15:25:21-04

Mesa police have identified a man facing more than a dozen felony charges after leading officers on a dangerous pursuit through the Valley last month.

The suspect, 48-year-old John David Rothrock, was released from the hospital and booked into jail last week after the July 15 incident. Charges from Mesa Police include aggravated assault, unlawful discharge of a firearm, disorderly conduct and unlawful flight from a pursuing law enforcement vehicle -- all felonies.

The pursuit started in Mesa and ended in Goodyear, and shots were exchanged between Rothrock and officers along the way.

Stop sticks were successfully deployed in Goodyear where Rothrock stopped and exited his truck, firing his handgun toward officers several times.

Officers returned fire and tased him before taking him into custody. He suffered at least two gunshot wounds during the ordeal, according to police.

Rothrock later said he hoped he didn't hurt anyone and didn't mean to harm anyone involved, police say.