Vallejo police shoot suspect who rammed car into patrol vehicles

VALLEJO, Calif. (Christien Kafton/KTVU) - A suspect who police said had a penchant for driving recklessly and twice rammed his car into police cars was arrested Wednesday night in Martinez.

Vallejo Police Lt. Jeff Bassett said police took Kevin DeCarlo, 20, into custody just before 10 p.m. in the 400 block of Ellis Road in Martinez – but only after he allegedly rammed his car into a police officer’s car, prompting a shootout. Witnesses said a man and a woman were also inside DeCarlo's car, but more information has not yet been disclosed about their involvement, if any.

DeCarlo sustained multiple gunshot wounds, Bassett said. He was taken by ground to a local hospital with serious injuries. Video at the scene showed him shirtless but awake and alert. A family friend at the scene said his “family was real good people” and she was “hoping for the best.” Another friend, Justin Caldwell, said that he was "worried sick" about DeCarlo. "He's a good dude, he's like my brother," Caldwell said. DeCarlo's father also showed up at the scene, claiming his son was the victim of a police target.

"He's been fearful for his life," Michael DeCarlo sid. "They've been making comments about killing the kid. Would you stop?"

A Vallejo police officer sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released.

Bassett said police had been looking for DeCarlo since May 25, when he was allegedly driving recklessly.

DeCarlo got away, but an arrest warrant was issued for him with a bail amount of $100,000.

On May 27, Bassett said officers spotted DeCarlo in Vallejo, and again, he allegedly fled in a car before “purposely” crashing it into a patrol officer’s vehicle and escaping on foot.

Wednesday night capped the search for him.

This officer-involved shooting is being jointly investigated by the Contra Costa County Sherriff's Department, the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office and the Vallejo Police Department.