Sweetwater Police Searching For Hit-And-Run Suspect

Police are searching for a man who allegedly fled from police during a traffic stop.

The incident occurred Monday morning at 109th Avenue and Southwest Eighth Street. Investigators said a police officer pulled over a Mercedes-Benz carrying three occupants. During questioning, one person jumped back in the Mercedes-Benz, firing a weapon as he took off. That's when, police said, the subject crashed into two vehicles, causing a sport utility vehicle to roll over.

The subject bailed out of the vehicle on foot and jumped into a nearby canal.

Paramedics airlifted the driver of the SUV to Kendall Regional Medical Center. Authorities said a Sweetwater Police officer suffered some minor injuries and was also transported to the hospital. The officer is expected to be OK.

Witnesses said they heard multiple gunshots. "I heard approximately four or five gunshots and then afterwards I heard a loud explosion, sounded like a car accident," said Eddie.

Police are still searching for the subject.

The eastbound lanes of Southwest Eighth Street have been shut down due to investigation.

The driver could be charged with leaving the scene of an accident and fleeing and eluding. The passenger who fired the weapon could be charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.