San Diego police shoot assault suspect after high-speed chase

San Diego police shot an assault suspect Thursday after a car chase of nearly an hour, authorities said.

The suspect, identified only as a 40-year-old male, pointed a gun at officers after they forced his vehicle to a halt, authorities said.

Four officers “fearing for their safety” opened fire, said Lt. Mike Hastings.

The suspect was taken to a local hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. None of the officers was injured.

The incident began when a single officer sought to stop a car for a traffic violation. As the officer approached the car, it sped away.

Over the police radio, other officers joined the chase after being alerted that the car fit the description of one linked to a shooting Monday that injured two persons and that the suspect had a gun, authorities said.

A gun was found in the car, along with drugs, authorities said.

The four officers are described as six-, seven-, nine- and 24-year veterans of the department. The chase occurred in San Diego and National City and ended in the Mount Hope area of San Diego.

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tony.perry@latimes.com