Driver faces charge of attempted murder

A man who led police on a chaotic two-county chase has been charged with allegedly mowingdowna deputy who was trying to stop him, officials said.

David Lee Oneal, 29, is charged with attempted capital murderof a police officer, according to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. His bail is set at $500,000.

On Tuesday at about 2 p.m., the pursuit began when a China Grove officer attempted to pull Oneal over for speeding on U.S. 87, said Sheriff Javier Salazar.

Oneal did not stop and reportedly brandished a gun at the officer multiple times, Salazar said.

It is unclear whyoneal refused to stop and whether there had beenwarrants out for his arrest. According to court documents, Oneal’s criminal record includes evading arrest and unlawful carry of a weapon.

The chase led authorities east into Wilson County just before Sutherland Springs, where Oneal made a U-turn on the highway and led them to Stuart Road.

Salazar said a second set of spike strips popped one of Oneal’s tires, after which his car collided with several patrol cars.

A Bexar County deputy drove up to Oneal and approached his vehicle with a gun drawn.

Oneal ignored the deputy’s commands and instead drove toward him, Salazar said. The deputy fired several shots at the oncoming car, with one striking Oneal’s neck, before it plowed into him and knocked him onto its hood, Salazar said.

The deputy, a six-year veteran of the force whose name has not been released, is expected to recover.

“He’s hating life right now,” Salazar said. “He’s got a large amount of bumps and bruises after the fact, but we’re expecting him to make a full recovery.”

Salazar said Oneal was still in critical condition Wednesday at San Antonio Military Medical Center, but is expected to recover.

He said the officers who helped Oneal are to receive life-saving medals.