Long Beach chase suspect with baby in car fires at police

SAN PEDRO, Calif. (KABC) -- A pursuit suspect with a baby in the back seat fired shots at police officers following a high-speed chase that started in Long Beach and ended in San Pedro.

Long Beach police received a 911 call shortly before 2 a.m. Saturday about a domestic dispute involving a man, a woman and a 5-month-old baby on the 6500 block of East Rosebay Street.

When officers arrived on scene, the man had already left the scene with the baby. The man soon returned to the scene and was confronted by officers.

That's when police said an officer-involved shooting occurred. Investigators said the suspect, later identified as 22-year-old Joseph Gonzales, possibly fired a weapon at Long Beach police, and officers possibly shot back. No one was believed to be struck with gunfire.

Authorities said Gonzales then got back into his vehicle and led police on a high-speed chase with the baby still in the backseat. Gonzales sped down the 110 and 405 Freeways, ending up in San Pedro.

The chase came to an end at the intersection of Oliver and Bandini streets, where the suspect exited his car and opened fire in the direction of a patrol car.

"Our officers returned fire and the suspect gave up, and he was taken into custody safely," said Long Beach Police Department Deputy Chief Richard Rocchi.

One police car's windshield was riddled with at least 11 bullet holes.

The officer in the patrol car was cut by shards of glass following the shooting. He was transported to an area hospital and later released. He is expected to be OK.

Gonzales left his gun on his front seat and the child's seat in the rear.

Officials said the baby was not injured but was taken to an area hospital as a precautionary measure.

Gonzales, who authorities said was not injured, was arrested and booked for attempted murder, evading police, child cruelty that could result in possible injury or death, assault with a firearm on a police officer, felon in possession of a firearm and a parole violation. He is being held at the Long Beach City Jail without bail.

The baby is now staying with his or her grandparents.

Both officer-involved shootings remain under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incidents and has not spoken with investigators was urged to contact Long Beach Police Homicide Detectives at (562) 570-7244.