Policeman Injured in Car Chase

A Santa Ana police officer crashed into a power pole while chasing a suspected gunman late Sunday night, authorities said.

The officer, Robert Valdez, was treated for minor injuries at Western Medical Center-Santa Ana and released early Monday morning.

The chase began shortly before midnight Sunday when Valdez began chasing a vehicle driven by 20-year-old Juan Pablo Aguilar, who was suspected of firing gunshots near McFadden Avenue and Flower Street, Sgt. Raul Luna said.

Aguilar, who was driving a 1994 Chevrolet Suburban, crashed into a parked car after making a turn at the intersection of Garnsey and Myrtle Street, Luna said.

Valdez swerved to avoid hitting Aguilar’s car and slammed into the utility pole.

Police said Aguilar tried to flee but was later arrested on Flower Street. He was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, evading a police officer, and hit and run. He was booked at the Santa Ana jail, Luna said.