Parolee who allegedly drove car toward CHP officer behind bars

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – A parolee was back behind bars Wednesday for allegedly
accelerating a car directly at a California Highway Patrol officer while
fleeing a traffic stop in El Cajon, forcing the lawman to open fire in self-
defense.

Ali Latef Alkhafaji, 27, was unharmed when the patrolman, who was on
foot, fired four shots toward him just south of Gillespie Field about 2:15 p.m.
Tuesday, authorities said. While making his temporary escape, the ex-con also
allegedly rammed a squad car, causing no injuries, according to police Lt. Mike
Moulton.

The suspect then drove a short distance before abandoning his car in a
parking lot in the 800 block of Vernon Way, leaving behind a female passenger,
who was taken into custody. Alkhafaji, meanwhile, ran off into the surrounding
industrial district.

Officers fanned out through the area and searched block-by-block for
Alkhafaji with help from a sheriff's helicopter, Moulton said.

At about 6 p.m., they found the suspect hiding under a vehicle in the
700 block of Gable Way, a short distance from the site of the shooting. He
allegedly refused to surrender until a deputy sent in a police dog.

Alkhafaji was treated for minor bite injuries, then was booked into San
Diego Central Jail on suspicion of two counts of assault on a peace officer, as
well as resisting arrest, possessing a controlled substance for sale, violating
parole and other charges. He was being held without bail pending arraignment,
scheduled for Friday afternoon.

His companion, Dasha Danielle Elkerton, 24, was jailed on two
outstanding narcotics and grand-theft warrants.