Dash Cam Video Shows Police Striking Theft Suspect with Cruiser
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shiyali/iStock/Thinkstock(MARANA, Ariz.) — Shocking dashboard camera videos released by authorities in Arizona show a patrol car crashing into a rifle-toting suspect who police said had been on a day-long crime spree.
Mario Valencia’s February 19 alleged spree included robbing a 7-11, breaking into a church and committing arson, invading a home and stealing a car, the Marana Police Department said. He then allegedly stole a rifle and ammunition from Walmart and fired the gun not far from the store, according to police.
In the dash cam video, a gunshot is heard as Valencia is seen walking down the street in Marana, about 30 miles north of Tucson.
An officer is heard saying, “One round just went out into the sky. It’s definitely unlocked now, it’s definitely loaded.”
“Stand off, the gun is loaded,” an officer warns.
An officer then drives off the road and into Valencia, in a shocking collision captured on two cruisers’ cameras.
Valencia, who was flung into the air by the impact, was hospitalized for two days after the incident, according to police. Valencia was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of armed robbery, and unlawful discharge of a firearm.
According to Marana Police Chief Terry Rozema, while Valencia didn’t shoot anyone, he did aim the rifle at an officer. Rozema said an officer told him Valencia was walking towards a business, and while the officer was too far away to shoot, he decided to get on top of him as fast as possible to separate Valencia from the weapon.
Michael Rapiejko, the officer involved, was cleared by county attorneys and returned to work after a few days, Rozema said.
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