A driver who struck a Buffalo police cruiser and hit a South District officer Tuesday evening was being treated for a gunshot wound to his neck after being shot by police in a live chase, Buffalo police said.
At about 7:35 p.m. near Exchange and Alabama streets, the driver -- identified only as a 27-year-old man -- fled police in a GMC Sierra pickup.
At one point during the pursuit, officer tried to stop the pickup -- only to see the man stop briefly and continue, hitting at least one officer, according to Michael J. DeGeorge, Buffalo police spokesman.
At some point in the chase, an officer or officers fired their service weapon, and the driver was struck in the neck, DeGeorge said.
The chase ended near Bailey Avenue and Dingens Street, DeGeorge said.
Crews from Rural/Metro Medical Services rushed the man by ambulance to Erie County Medical Center. Police said the man was reported to have life-threatening injuries. Later reports suggested his condition was stabilized.
Members of the Buffalo Police Internal Affairs Unit were on scene late Tuesday investigating along with Buffalo police detectives. The South District officer struck by the suspect was not reported to be seriously injured, DeGeorge said. He said the Internal Affairs Unit investigates every case where an officer fires his weapon.
It was unclear what led to the initial police involvement with the man. Further details were unavailable late Tuesday.
Portions of Bailey Avenue remained closed to traffic late Tuesday while authorities continued their investigation.
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