Man charged after firing at Nicholasville officer during pursuit, police say

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A man is facing multiple charges after allegedly firing a handgun at a Nicholasville Police officer during a pursuit early Monday morning, according to a press release from the Nicholasville Police Department.

Around 8:55 a.m. on June 3, an officer attempted to stop a vehicle speeding north on Lexington Road near Catnip Hill Road. The driver initially pulled over, then accelerated away. As the officer briefly followed to record the vehicle’s license plate, the suspect crossed into Fayette County.

Police say the suspect then made a U-turn and drove back toward the officer. As the two vehicles passed, a male subject reportedly fired a handgun through an open window, hitting the police cruiser’s front tire and disabling the vehicle. The officer was not injured.

The suspect drove further into Fayette County, but was later apprehended by Lexington Police using investigative tools, including Flock camera technology.

The driver, identified as Jonathan D. Rodriguez Lopez of Lexington, was questioned at the Nicholasville Police Department. He is currently being held at the Jessamine County Detention Center on charges including:

• Attempted murder of a first responder (peace officer)

• Fleeing or evading police, first degree (motor vehicle)