It was a terrifying experience for a woman on a police ride-along when she and the officer came under fire while attempting a traffic stop outside Fresno, California.
A Madera police officer was taking a civilian on a ride-along early Sunday morning when a Mazda SUV failed to stop during a traffic stop, the department said.
The SUV was leading the police officer on a short pursuit when the front passenger pulled out a gun and fired on the officer and the woman, the department said.
Authorities said a total of 13 shots were fired at the officer’s cruiser, hitting the windshield and narrowly missing the officer and his ride-along passenger.
The officer’s vehicle was disabled during the shooting, causing the officer to end the pursuit.
The Mazda was later found abandoned a few blocks away. Officers searched the area and found an AR-15-style pistol and other evidence, the department said.
The officer was not injured during the incident. The ride-along guest received minor scratches from broken glass.
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The department said they were thankful that no one was seriously injured.
“We are thankful and blessed that both the officer and civilian were not injured. The officer’s decisive actions prevented the civilian ride-along from being seriously injured. The officer demonstrated a very cool demeanor for such a short time with the department.”
Officers are still searching for the people in the SUV.
