Police chase ends in gunfire

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A traffic violation turned into a police chase with gunfire in the Toulminville community Wednesday morning.  

Police said the chase started when a patrol officer tried to pulled over a car for reckless driving.

"The man refused to stop, and the officer initiated a pursuit with that vehicle. You can see over here where he crashed out, got out of the vehicle, and started to run," Corporal Christopher Levy said.

Police said 27-year-old James Maiben was driving the car. According to investigators, the gunfire happened during the foot chase.

"That's when the suspect then actually produced a handgun, and the officer then fired a shot at the suspect. He wasn't, he did not hit the suspect," Levy said.

Police said the chase started on Donald Street. It appeared the suspect was on Brownlee when he came to St. Stephens Road. He apparently missed the turn and ended up in Charlie Bell Hardin's front yard.

Hardin heard the noise outside. She just didn't know what it was.

"We heard a lot of noise. That's why we came out. I don't know was he shooting or what. I'm not sure now, but I do know it's a lot of action out here," Hardin said.

Maiben is facing a number of charges.

"The man had some drugs on him; had a little crack, had some marijuana," Levy said.

Police also found a stolen gun.  

"So, this actually worked out pretty well. We get a felon off the streets. And nobody's hurt, and everybody gets to go home at the end of the day," Levy said.