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Suspect in custody after firing shots at Arlington police during high-speed chase, police say

Ricardo Singleton, 27, is in police custody after allegedly firing gunshots at police in Arlington, sparking a high-speed chase that ended in Fairfax County.

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — Police have arrested 27-year-old Ricardo Singleton for allegedly firing gunshots at Arlington police, Fairfax County Police and Virginia State Troopers. Singleton was taken into police custody following a high-speed chase that ended in Fairfax County Thursday night.

According to officials, the incident began around 9 a.m. when officers responded to a car parked in the 1400 block of North Courthouse Rd. Officials said Singleton signaled police to come to the parked car and officers noticed that he had a firearm. Moments later Singleton drove off.

Police then followed Singleton and later found him in a garage. According to officials, Singleton indicated he needed help and when officers approached Singleton's car they saw a gun. Moments after this interaction, police said Singleton drove away again and was later involved in a hit-and-run incident.

Following this series of events, officers from the Arlington County Police Department were able to obtain an arrest warrant for looting, brandishing and hit-and-run. 

Police later discovered the Singleton's whereabouts around 7:40 p.m. in the area of George Mason Drive and Columbia Pike. Police said Singleton fled during an attempted traffic stop, drove down Route 50 toward Fairfax County.

During the chase, Singleton allegedly crashed at Route 50 and Graham Road. With the car no longer working, he bailed and began running and opened fire as Arlington County Police, Fairfax County Police and Virginia State Police followed him. 

In a release Friday, Fairfax Police confirmed an officer did fire back. That officer has only been identified as an 11-year veteran who has been placed on restricted duty state pending an administrative investigation. 

Singleton was not harmed in the shooting and allegedly ran. Officers say they later found him hiding behind a nearby building. He was taken into custody without incident. 

Officials said there have not been any injuries reported.

During a press conference, officials stated that citizens were "absolutely in harm's way" and further explained that a witness recorded part of the incident.

Singleton was taken to the Adult Detention Center and has been charged with felony eluding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, felony reckless discharge and three counts of attempted malicious wounding on a law enforcement officer. He also faces two additional charges of attempted malicious wounding on a law enforcement officer and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. 

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