Two people are now in custody after a Ramsey County sheriff's deputy was shot at earlier this month in St Paul during a high speed chase.
Police say officers saw a dark-colored Honda Accord driving recklessly on Payne Avenue and Jessamine Street on the night of March 1. However, it fled from officers.
The deputy gave chase when someone in the car shot at him. He was hit by a bullet and uninjured because he was wearing a protective vest.
St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry was firm in his condemnation of the recent spike in violence against law enforcement.
"We're out here to prevent crimes and when someone in our community shoots at a community member wearing one of these uniforms, or a trooper uniform or a deputy uniform, it's a bellweather for us as community members," said Henry. "If you will shoot at a law enforcement officer who's clearly a police officer, you will literally shoot at anybody."
Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher also released a statement condemning the violence.
“Society is tired of the chaos; you can’t race around town in a stolen car shooting at people," said Fletcher. "Unfortunately, some haven’t learned this lesson, whether from their parents, teachers, or the criminal justice system. So, gang conflicts cross the river. Then triggers get pulled, the innocent get gunned down, violent offenders get set free, and the law-abiding pay the price."
A 20-year old is facing attempted murder among other charges, and a 17-year old is also in juvenile detention for his role in the crime.