NEW HAVEN OFFICER SHOOTS AT FLEEING SUSPECT

A New Haven police officer was struck by a car before firing 4-shots at a suspect early Saturday morning. Police say the officer, who has not been identified, was patrolling the area of James and River Streets around 2 AM in an effort to deter drag racing.

Once in the area, the officer approached a car with a flat tire and other violations. The suspect, David Gondola of New Haven, put the car in reverse and rammed the police car and fled the scene. The officer then fired four-shots at the car.

"The officer feared for his safety while the suspects vehicle was backing up and ramming a police car. They were in a parking lot where an officer was positioned here, the other officer was positioned there, there was nowhere for the officer to retreat to," said Lt. Joanne Peterson of the New Haven PD.

The police pursuit ended in the area of Olive Street after police tasered Gondola. He now faces several charges including assault, reckless driving and engaging police in a pursuit. The officer was treated for a foot injury at Yale-New Haven Hospital.