By T.J. Wilham
Albuquerque Journal
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — An Albuquerque police officer escaped injury Tuesday after getting into a gunfight while chasing a burglary suspect.
The suspect, Dennis Chavez, was shot in the face while firing at officer Victor Grossetete, police said.
Chavez remained hospitalized Tuesday at the University of New Mexico Hospital. Police said Chavez is expected to survive his injuries.
Police intend to charge Chavez with attempted murder once he is released from the hospital.
According to court records, Chavez, 23, has six prior arrests and was wanted on a felony charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Chavez has never spent a day in jail.
Police received a call from a resident about 2 a.m. Tuesday to report the sound of breaking glass near Valencia and Central. When Grossetete arrived, he spotted Chavez leaving the J.D. Byrider used car lot and chased after him.
Grossetete had already drawn his Taser. During the foot pursuit, Chavez stopped and turned around. Grossetete fired his Taser, missing the suspect.
Police said Chavez then drew a handgun and started firing at Grossetete, who in turn drew his gun and returned at least two shots, one of which struck Chavez.
With a gunshot wound to his face, Chavez took off running and fired more shots at the officer by pointing his handgun behind his back.
Grossetete lost the suspect when he f led into a neighborhood.
M i nutes l ater, pol ice received a call from a homeowner on Lynn reporting they could hear someone moaning in their backyard.
When APD’s SWAT team arrived, they found Chavez hiding on top of a recreational vehicle with his handgun and cell phone. Police said Chavez had made several calls while hiding.
According to court records, Chavez’s six prior arrests include charges of DWI, shoplifting, unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, leaving the scene of an accident, and possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.
Two of his arrests occurred when he was a juvenile, and he was referred to juvenile probation. The DWI charge is still pending. Two of the cases were dismissed after police officers failed to appear in court. The shoplifting case also was dismissed.
In August, a warrant was issued for Chavez’s arrest after he was accused of beating his sister.
Copyright 2009 Albuquerque Journal