Update: Benicia Police Say They've Arrested Shooting Suspect

This story will be updated shortly with details about the arrest.

By Bay City News

Law enforcement officers from several Bay Area agencies were searching for a man who allegedly exchanged gunfire with a Benicia police officer and carjacked a vehicle Saturday night, a police lieutenant said.

Around 6:55 p.m. Saturday, an officer stopped the suspect, identified as 22-year-old Robert Flores Folster of American Canyon, for a minor traffic violation, said Benicia police Lt. Scott Przekurat.

The officer learned through a DMV check on the vehicle's license plate that the car had been reported stolen.

The suspect then sped away from the patrol car, prompting a short chase. Police said Folster turned into Tyne Court with the officer following closely behind.

As the suspect vehicle turned to exit the court, Folster allegedly fired several shots at the patrol car, police said.

Przekurat said the officer exchanged gunfire with the suspect, but that neither was hit.

A short time later, police located the suspect vehicle parked just blocks from where the gunfire had erupted, but Folster was nowhere in sight.

Officers from the Vallejo Police Department, the Solano County Sheriff's Office and the California Highway Patrol assisted in combing the area, but even with the help of a CHP helicopter and police K-9s, were unable to locate the suspect.

Police later spotted a female who was with Folster at the time of the shooting driving the suspect vehicle and arrested her.  According to Sgt. Damiean Sylvester, police are not yet releasing the name of the woman who was arrested.

During the search for Folster, a man matching his description carjacked a vehicle at gunpoint in the parking lot of the Highlands Condominiums complex at 900 Cambridge Drive, police said.

The suspect drove that car to the edge of the parking lot but parked it and fled on foot after seeing that police patrol cars were blocking off the area.

Officers from multiple agencies again searched the area extensively but did not find Folster.

Police say the suspect is described as being 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing about 140 pounds with brown eyes and hair. He is considered to be armed and dangerous.

Benicia police detectives have obtained a $1 million arrest warrant for Folster and along with other agencies, were continuing their search for the 22-year-old early this morning.

"We're doing everything we can to find him," Przekurat said.

Anyone who sees the suspect is encouraged to keep their distance from him and to call 911 immediately.

Those with information about Folster's whereabouts are urged to contact Benicia police at (707) 745-3412 or to provide an anonymous tip with a potential reward by calling Solano County Crime Stoppers at (707) 644-7867.

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