Colonial Heights, Va. – The event happened last summer, but dash cam video just released shows a high-speed chase as it evolved into an officer-involved shooting.
The pursuit began around 11:30 a.m., after Officer Greg Tennis clocked a 2014 Dodge Avenger going 60 mph in a 35 mph zone, down Ellerslie Avenue.
Video shows as the suspect, and then the officer, run a red light. The car eventually runs out of road and pulls into a driveway and then into a back yard.
“South Carolina plates,” Officer Tennis said over the radio.
Both vehicles come to a stop.
The officer yelled 10 times for the driver to show their hands. After about one minute, the driver swings open the car door and in one swift motion aims a .380 caliber pistol at the officer.
Tennis is behind his car door. He fires six shots and the suspect Melissa Alexander, age 43, falls to the ground.
She was hit twice in the abdomen.
As other officers arrive on scene they approach the suspect on the ground and put her in handcuffs. EMS is called, and while they are waiting for medical help Tennis asks Alexander why she got out of the car and pointing the gun at him.
There is no answer.
On Monday, the victim was found not guilty by reason of insanity at the time of the incident.
Officials said the video shows that the officer acted according to department policy while making a split second decision.
"During times like this, you're nervous, a lot of things are going on and you tend to maybe go away from that training a little bit, but he stayed right on point, he was focused and he did his job, and he did it correct,” said Captain Wayne Newsome, Colonial Heights Police Department.
Newsome said the department will use the dash cam video for training purposes.
Alexander remains in custody and will be back in court in August, after being evaluated by two independent doctors.
Tennis continues to patrol Colonial Heights.
