KINGMAN – A vehicle struck a law enforcement officer and two patrol vehicles were struck but no injuries were reported during a wild chase that ended in Kingman Monday afternoon. Mohave County Sheriff’s deputies responded at 1:39 p.m. to conduct a welfare check after a citizen reported spotting a male in a vehicle parked two days off Interstate 40, about 27 miles west of Kingman.
“The reporting party advised she had observed several empty prescription bottles inside the car and the male subject was hiding under a blanket,” said sheriff’s office spokeswoman Anita Mortensen. She said the subject later identified as Adnan Ijaz, 39, was extremely hostile.
“The deputy attempted to explain his reason for being there when the male subject placed the car in gear and attempted to run over the deputy,” Mortensen said. She said the fleeing vehicle struck the deputy, but that he was not injured.
Mortensen said deputies and Department of Public Safety gave chase as Ijaz sped eastbound toward Kingman at up to 120 miles per hour.
“Spike strips were deployed in multiple locations along the highway,” Mortensen said. “The vehicle’s front passenger side tire eventually began to shred and the pursuit slowed.”
Ijaz reportedly exited the interstate at Stockton Hill Road and lost control of his vehicle, which struck DPS and MCSO patrol units. Mortensen said a taser was deployed to subdue Ijaz who was booked into jail for aggravated assault, unlawful pursuit and criminal damage charges.
While Ijaz claimed to be a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, authorities are trying to determine if he is actually an illegal immigrant.
