Mesa Police open fire on suspect who tried to run down officer, department says

PD: Suspect who tried to run down Mesa officer in custody

MESA, Ariz. - Police in Mesa have taken a suspect into custody who allegedly tried to run down an officer on Sunday night, resulting in an officer-involved shooting.

According to police, officers responded on Sept. 5 just after 7 p.m. to an apartment complex near Alma School Road and Southern Avenue for reports of a car that was parked under covered parking and running for at least six hours.

When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered two people inside the car who appeared to be passed out. Officers were able to wake up the driver, who reversed the car and crashed it into a patrol vehicle that was parked behind.

After hitting the police car, the suspect's vehicle continued forward, drove over a sidewalk, and tried to leave the apartment complex through a greenbelt.

"Another officer followed the vehicle into the greenbelt area in his marked patrol car," police said in a statement. "As the officer got out of his vehicle, the suspect vehicle made a U-turn and drove at the officer. This is when the officer involved shooting occurred."

Mesa Police shooting investigation on Sept. 5

The suspect's vehicle left the area heading southbound. On Monday morning, police announced both the driver and passenger were taken into custody.

"The driver was transported to the hospital for personal medical reasons and upon release will be interviewed and booked into jail," said Det. Brandi George. "The passenger is also being interviewed."

No officers were injured.

Nearly a day later, authorities identified the driver as Diego Varela, 23. He was booked into Mesa City Jail on suspicion of aggravated assault on law enforcement, endangerment, leaving the scene of a vehicle collision – hit-and-run.

Melissa Hidalgo, 23, was identified as the passenger and was booked into Mesa City Jail, police say, for two outstanding warrants.