Four Minnesota men are facing charges after a St. Paul drug bust in which one of the suspects was shot by police.

The incident began with a traffic stop outside the Rondo Education Center in the Midway neighborhood. There, police attempted to pull over two vehicles whose occupants were suspected of drug offenses. There were two men in each car.

One car drove away, but the occupants of the second vehicle attempted to flee on foot. According to police, both suspects were brandishing handguns. One managed to run away, but the other was shot in the back twice by police. A police spokesman said the suspect did not fire at the officers.

The suspect who fled on foot was later apprehended.

Within an hour after the failed traffic stop, police found the second car abandoned. They traced the vehicle's former occupants to a Mexican restaurant on St. Paul's East Side, where they were ultimately arrested.

The suspect who was shot was admitted to Regions Hospital, but is expected to survive.

Police found several pounds of methamphetamine and marijuana inside the abandoned vehicles, along with a stash of ammunition.

Fleeing Police Has Serious Consequences

The incident highlights the dangers inherent in attempts to evade police apprehension.

Of course, brandishing a gun at a police officer is almost always a dangerous proposition. Police are trained to defend themselves and their partners. If they think a suspect may be willing to shoot at an officer, police will shoot first. Too often, attempts to evade arrest result in needless violence.

Fleeing in a vehicle also has its risks. Minnesota law makes it a felony to use a vehicle to flee from an officer. If someone is hurt during the chase, the suspect can face up to seven years in prison. If someone is killed, the suspect can be sentenced to 40 years in prison.

Individuals who are stopped by the police need to weigh these consequences before making a decision about how to react.

If you are charged with fleeing from police, you need to get experienced help right away. Contact a criminal defense lawyer who can help protect your rights.

Source: Pioneer Press, "St. Paul Police Say Drugs Found After Man Shot While Jumping From Car," Tad Vezner and Brady Gervais, Jan. 18, 2012.