Officer shoots suspect during chase

MOBILE, Ala. - The hustle and bustle at a Raceway Gas Station came to a halt, when police converged after hearing one of their own was injured. Officials said it all began with a routine traffic stop.

Investigators said when a policeman pulled over Ricky Lett Jr. and attempted to confirm his identity; Lett got out of the car and ran. Police said the officer caught up with Lett in a wooded area and tried to restrain him.

The two began to struggle, that's when the officer tried to Taser him. Officer Christopher Levy said, "The Taser actually failed. The subject was able to get the Taser from the officer and attempted to Taser the officer. The officer had to shoot the suspect."

Customer, Mary Mayo added, "An ambulance came to pick up the young man. He had blood on his knee and on his shoulder and the police officer had it in places on his face."

The suspect was taken to USA Medical Center where he underwent surgery. His family members said they gathered outside to pray and stand by their loved one.

Lett's cousin, Christopher Betts said, "He's a good person, he'd give you his last when he's down and out. I don't know why he ran, he doesn't get in trouble. He was driving, he didn't have no tag and so I guess he was afraid of going to jail."

Lett was arrested in the past for identity theft. Family members feel he didn't deserve to be shot multiple times. Betts said, "When you're shooting somebody over their heart, side and leg, you want fatality. One bullet will stop anybody in his legs."

Police say their investigation isn't over.

The officer involved only suffered minor injuries. His name has not been released as of yet. Mobile Police are guarding Ricky Lett Jr. at the hospital. When he's released, he'll be charged with assault and obstruction of justice, giving a false name to police.