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Four arrested after 2 separate shootouts with Fullerton police

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Four people, including a gunman, were arrested early Monday after two separate shootouts with Fullerton police following a pursuit.

No one was injured in the shootings that started about 2 a.m. on Euclid Street near Williamson Avenue, Fullerton police Sgt. Kathryn Hamel said.

The events unfolded when a veteran officer and a trainee tried to stop a Chevy SUV for traffic violations, she said. A woman driving the vehicle didn’t stop and led the officers on a short pursuit.

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At one point, the driver slowed down and a male passenger armed with a handgun got out of the moving vehicle and began firing at officers, Hamel said.

The veteran officer exchanged gunfire with the man, identified as Shane Stephenson, and ran after him on foot, she said.

About a half-mile away, Stephenson, 25, exchanged gunfire with another officer, who was responding to provide backup, officials said.

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Because the gunman was able to get away, police established a perimeter and began searching for the man.

About 4:30 a.m., an Anaheim police officer found and arrested Stephenson. He was booked on suspicion of attempted murder and felony assault of an officer, Hamel said. It is unclear why he shot at the officers, Hamel said.

Stephenson, a Fullerton resident, was under supervision after being released from jail and has an “extensive criminal history,” police said.

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The driver, Shealyn Edgmon, 22, of Orange, and two male passengers, Brett Chavez, 27, of Santa Ana, and Matthew Fernandez, 29, of Buena Park, also were arrested. They were booked on suspicion of evading police, possessing narcotic paraphernalia and warrants, police said.

By Monday morning, police dogs were searching for the handgun and tallying the number of rounds fired, Hamel said.

Police recovered Stephenson’s shirt and a gun holster in area.

For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA

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