WILLIAMS, Ariz. (AP) - The Latest on a northern Arizona chase and shooting (all times local):
12:00 p.m.
Authorities say a passenger who escaped from a stolen car pursued by a sheriff’s deputy in northern Arizona is not being prosecuted because he simply hitched a ride with the driver and another man.
The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office says the front-seat passenger tried to jump from the car Monday during a traffic stop on Interstate 40 near Ask Fork but got tangled up and then dragged before the car stopped again and he was able to free himself.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the passenger was hospitalized for treatment of serious injuries. His identity wasn’t released.
The Sheriff’s Office says 31-year-old John Freeman is jailed on suspicion of aggravated assault on a police officer and multiple other crimes and that companion Gideon Eads was booked on suspicion of vehicle theft.
Freeman is accused of shooting at least once at a deputy, who was not injured.
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7:50 a.m.
Authorities have found a gun allegedly used by a car-theft suspect to shoot at a law enforcement officer in northern Arizona.
Yavapai and Coconino County sheriff’s officials say the gun was found Monday evening following the arrest of 31-year-old John Freeman.
Officials say Freeman was found around 5:30 p.m. in a culvert about a half-mile south of Interstate 40 near the Bearziona Wildlife Park, which was evacuated around noon so authorities could search for Freeman.
Authorities said Freeman had a warrant for his arrest out of Kingman and was considered armed and dangerous. But he wasn’t armed when arrested, prompting a search for the gun.
Officials say Freeman allegedly fired at least one shot at a deputy during a chase after an attempted traffic stop. The officer was not injured.
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