Man Sets Fire To His Own Home, Gets Chased By Cops Before Opening Fire On Them

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A man who fired shots at Raleigh police officers on Thursday afternoon was also wanted for setting his Knightdale home on fire, authorities said.

Knightdale Police identified the suspect as 39-year-old Willie Jerome Daniels.

Raleigh police officers responded to a shooting call around noon in the 4200 block of Brockton Drive. They found a person shot. The victim was taken to a hospital with serious injuries.

Officers who responded then identified a vehicle matching the description of Daniels' vehicle.

After a short pursuit, the suspect vehicle crashed into another vehicle at New Bern Avenue and New Hope Road.

The suspect got out of the car and fired multiple rounds at officers, striking at least two patrol vehicles. Officers returned fire but did not strike anyone.

Officers also used Tasers in an attempt to take Daniels into custody, which they eventually did by tackling him to the ground.

"This senseless act of violence is intolerable," Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson said. "I am thankful for the courageous actions of our officers to safely take the subject into custody without incident."

No officers were injured. The occupants of the vehicle that the suspect crashed into were taken to a hospital for evaluation. They were treated and were later released from the hospital.

The incident remains under investigation. The stretch of New Bern Avenue reopened Thursday evening.