Family of suspect shot in police chase call him 'troubled soul'

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A suspect was shot by police after trying to outrun officers in a chase that started in Fraser and ended in Clinton Township early Wednesday morning.

"He could've died and the officers are very fortunate they weren't injured," said George Rouhib, Fraser director of public safety.

A chaotic chase ended in gunfire and 29-year-old Enzo Evangelista of Clinton Township in the hospital. Fraser police say it all started when an officer spotted Evangelista in this red mustang near 15 mile and Kelly road around 4 Wednesday morning.

"The vehicle went through a red light. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, and it turned into an industrial complex," Rouhib said.

Driving about 55 miles per hour, Evangelista sped through a Clinton Township subdivision with police still behind him. As he approaching 15 Mile, police say that's when he lost control of the car. They say he then pushing the accelerator to the floor, squealing his tires.

"Three of our cars boxed him in," Rouhib said. "He attempted to ram the police car several times and at that point, that's when our officer had to discharge his weapon at the vehicle."

Four shots were fired with two bullets hitting Evangelista - one in his shoulder, another in his head. Evangelista then got out of the car.

He begged police not to let him die and to please take care of his dog. Evangelista rushed to the hospital as police discover a driver's license in the car - although Evangelista doesn't have one due to his history of drunk driving and fleeing police.

"His photo was on his brother's driver's license so he must have obtained the license under fraudulent circumstances," Rouhib said.

Evangelista underwent surgery Wednesday afternoon and is thankfully, expected to be okay. His family is distraught, calling Evangelista a "troubled soul."

"They even asked how the officers are doing so you have to appreciate that," Rouhib said.

Clinton Township police are investigating the shooting and Fraser police the chase.

Police are breathing a sigh of relief that no one was killed.

"It can happen at any time and that's why our jobs are so unpredictable right now," Rouhib said. "You never know. It doesn't matter where you're at."

Fraser police expect several charges to come including fleeing police and assault with intent to do great bodily harm -- a 10-year felony. Those three officers have been placed on administrative leave -- pending the outcome of that second investigation.