GREENVILLE, Miss. — Antonio Zavala, 30, was arrested Saturday after Greenville police said he led investigators on a high-speed pursuit through Greenville and into Washington County while allegedly firing at pursuing officers.
According to the Greenville Police Department, investigators attempted to stop a white Nissan Murano after observing the driver operating recklessly, repeatedly honking the vehicle’s horn and nearly striking motorists and pedestrians.
Police said Zavala refused to stop, prompting a pursuit that continued into Washington County. During the chase, investigators allege he displayed a firearm and fired multiple rounds toward pursuing officers. Officers did not return fire because of the number of civilians along the route, instead prioritizing public safety while continuing the pursuit, police said.
Authorities said Zavala ran multiple traffic signals, exceeded speeds of 100 mph and at one point allegedly attempted to ram a patrol vehicle operated by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
The pursuit ended near the intersection of Mississippi Highway 1 and Wilcox Road, where officers with the Greenville Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office took Zavala into custody without further incident.
Investigators said a search of the vehicle did not locate the firearm believed to have been used during the pursuit. They believe the weapon may have been discarded before Zavala’s arrest. Officers reported recovering two large knives and a 12-gauge shotgun shell from Zavala.
Police also addressed a video circulating on social media that shows part of the incident. Investigators said the footage captures only a limited portion of the encounter and does not reflect the full investigation, which includes officer observations, witness statements, physical evidence and other investigative findings.
Zavala is charged with careless driving, felony fleeing and eluding, two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon and three counts of disregarding traffic control devices.
The investigation remains active, and additional charges are possible, according to police.
Anyone with information regarding the firearm is asked to contact the Greenville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (662) 378-1515 or Crime Stoppers.
The charges against Zavala are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
