Man, woman arrested after high speed chase in Phenix City

A Phenix City police officer fired two shots into a fleeing vehicle Tuesday after the driver attempted to strike the officer on Auburn Road, Police Capt. Phyllis Pendleton said in a release.

Police arrested the driver, Allen Shiver, 31, and his passenger, Angela Nevels, 39, after the 7:15 p.m. chase ended without injuries . Shiver faces one count attempted assault first degree, possession of a controlled substance, criminal mischief first degree, attempting to elude law enforcement and numerous traffic violations. Nevels was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both are held in the Russell County Jail.

Police were called to the Ladonia area on Highway 80 West to check on an assault with a gun when they spotted a silver compact vehicle matching the description of a suspect vehicle. The vehicle refused to stop after the officer attempted to stop it, speeding on Highway 80.

The speeding vehicle crashed on Auburn Road where the officer directed the driver to step out of the vehicle. Instead of getting out, the driver shifted the vehicle into reverse and sped toward the officer who fired two shots into the vehicle.

That’s when the vehicle crashed into the officer’s police cruiser. Both suspects surrendered and were taken into custody.

Pendleton said the department is thankful that neither the police officer nor the suspects were injured.

The shooting and the high speed chase remain under investigation.

This story was originally published March 2, 2016 at 4:01 PM with the headline "Man, woman arrested after high speed chase in Phenix City."