Suspect in high speed chase fires shots at police [PHOTOS]

On the on-ramp to Interstate-84 westbound from Northeast 39th Avenue, an officer from East Precinct deployed spike strips. The officer from East Precinct reported the occupants of the vehicle shot at him as he was standing outside of his patrol vehicle. Officers pursued the vehicle from a distance as it drove, with multiple flat tires, northbound I-5 into Washington State. At the request of PPB, Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the Vancouver Police Department joined to assist. At 10:58p.m., near Northeast St Johns Road and Northeast 68th Street in Vancouver, the Mustang crashed and three occupants ran away on foot. Two were immediately detained, and a third was captured after a K9 track. 

Officers located bullet casings on the on ramp to I-84 westbound from Northeast 39th Avenue. No officers were injured. 

The Portland Police Homicide Unit detectives responded to conduct an investigation. Homicide Detectives obtained arrest warrants for the occupants of the vehicle and they were all booked into the Clark County Jail on the outstanding warrants along with charges from Clark County. Clark County Sheriff’s Office detectives issued a search warrant for the Mustang and recovered three firearms along with additional bullet casings. 

Cuahutemoc Hernandez, 24, was charged with Attempted Murder in the First Degree with a Firearm and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and additional charges from Clark County Sheriff’s Office. 

Zachary M. Chronister, 27, was charged with Attempted Murder in the First Degree with a Firearm, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Chronister also had an outstanding parole violation warrant issued by the Oregon State Parole Board (original charge of Assault). Additional charges from Clark County Sheriff’s Office. 

Jose A. Martinez, 23, of Vancouver, was charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. 

“These suspects not only put our whole community in danger through their outrageous actions, but they tried to kill a police officer doing his duty,” said Chief Chuck Lovell. “I’m relieved that the officer was not hurt, and that the suspects were captured. The bravery and incredibly effective interagency coordination that was displayed resulted in the safe capture of these suspects and is a truly a testament to the skill and dedication of these professional police officers. We’re extremely grateful for the assistance of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the Vancouver Police Department.”