Man Pointed Gun At Police While Fleeing Drug Bust

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) – A 23-year-old man is accused of pointing a gun at police, prompting authorities to fire at him during a drug bust in St. Paul earlier this week, according to charges filed Thursday by the Ramsey County Attorney's Office.

Miguel Lorenzanovilla was charged with first-degree assault and second-degree assault in connection with the incident, which happened Tuesday night.

According to a criminal complaint, St. Paul drug investigators were on surveillance of a home near Western Avenue and Jessamine Street at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday when they noticed a black Yukon and a white Chevy Impala approach the home. A confidential source told police there was a large amount of methamphetamine inside the Yukon, prompting authorities to pull the car over after a short pursuit.

Two men with handguns got out of the vehicle and fled toward Interstate 94. During the chase, Lorenzanovilla turned and pointed a gun at a St. Paul Police officer after ignoring orders to stop running. Officer Brian Wanschura then fired his weapon at Lorenzanovilla, hitting him in the backside. He was transported to Regions Hospital and treated for a single gunshot wound.

If convicted on both offenses, Lorenzanovilla faces up to 27 years in prison and a $14,000 fine. Also arrested in the incident were 24-year-old Albert Diaz Huerta, 27-year-old Juan Ayala Gutierrez and 27-year-old Basurto Monano Eustaquio.