Assault suspect flees, strikes Racine squad, citizen vehicle



RACINE (WITI) -- Racine police are investigating after a woman was reportedly assaulted, and the suspect fled -- eventually crashing into a Racine Police squad car, and a citizen's vehicle.

It happened early Saturday morning, just before 7:00 a.m.

Police say the assault occurred near 1109 Washington Ave. A witness observed a female running from an apartment building, being chased by a man. The witness observed blood on the female, and there was mention of the man being armed with a gun.

Neighbor Jermaine Sheppard says he saw the fleet of police cars respond to the apartment building.

"I rode past, I saw a lot of police cars," he said. "It was several of them."

Police say a suspect fled the scene after the assault and led police on a chase at a high rate of speed.

Police were able to catch up with the suspect on Christopher Columbus Causeway.

At 17th and Morton Ave., police say the suspect's vehicle struck a Racine Police squad and continued fleeing.

A short distance later, police say the suspect's vehicle struck a motorist near 14th and Racine, and his vehicle became disabled.

The driver of the vehicle struck received a minor injury and declined medical treatment.

The officer struck was not injured.

Police say the suspect was injured, and was treated at the hospital.

The female assaulted had minor injuries.

Police say the investigation into this incident is ongoing.

Racine Police investigators are interested in any additional information that you may have about this crime. You are urged to call the Racine Police Department Investigations Unit at 262-635-7756.

You may also contact Crimestoppers at 262-636-9330, or by texting RACS plus the message to CRIMES (274637) and referring to Tipsoft I.D. #TIP417 with your text message.

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