Man Accused of Gunning Car Toward Officer

A Westminster police officer Saturday fired one round at a suspect who allegedly accelerated his car toward the officer.

The man was charged with assault with a deadly weapon.

Neither the suspect, 26-year-old Alejandro Vergara of Lake Forest, nor the officer was injured.

The shooting took place at about 2 a.m. Saturday in the 9000 block of Bolsa Avenue in Westminster. According to police reports, Vergara showed signs of intoxication when the officer spotted him parked in his Toyota Corolla and ordered him to exit the vehicle.

Instead, Vergara attempted to drive away, accelerating his car toward the officer, who then fired his weapon, according to a written statement released Saturday.

Vergara was arrested and taken to Orange County Jail, where he remained in custody Saturday night.

“After the evidence is collected and reviewed, there will be an administrative review of the shooting. That’s standard procedure,” said Lt. Bob Amren of the Westminster police.