Criminal charges were filed Friday against a Los Angeles man who allegedly led police on a two-part, high-speed chase that ended when his car struck several vehicles, including one that overturned.
Tyree Francis, 24, pleaded not guilty to two counts each of assault on a peace officer, assault with a deadly weapon and evading an officer, along with one count each of evading an officer causing injury, hit-and-run and being a felon in possession of a firearm -- all felonies -- and a misdemeanor count of hit-and-run.
The high-speed police chase Wednesday began on the Harbor (110) Freeway, but officers lost sight of him. He was later spotted in a shopping center, where his vehicle nearly struck two Los Angeles police officers and two pedestrians, prosecutors allege.
One of the officers opened fire after Francis allegedly drove toward him. Neither officer was injured, police said.
Another pursuit ensued during which Francis allegedly struck four vehicles, injuring four people and disabling his car, before surrendering, according to the District Attorney's Office. Police had to pull one woman out of her overturned car.
Francis also allegedly evaded officers during a chase a day earlier, according to prosecutors.
Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Kristi Lousteau ordered Francis to be held in lieu of $5 million bail. He is due back in court March 1, when a date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require him to stand trial.
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If convicted as charged, he could face up to 137 years to life in state prison, according to the District Attorney's Office.
