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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A man found driving a stolen vehicle Friday night fled from police officers even after he accidentally shot himself in the leg, according to the Albuquerque Police Department.

Officer Tanner Tixier, a spokesman for the APD, said an officer attempted to stop 28-year-old Dennis Chavez when he took off, first in a car and then on foot. He hid between two houses and was waiting to ambush approaching officers, Tixier added.

An APD Air 1 helicopter happened to be in the area and was able to follow Chavez’s path near the 1500 block of Wilmore SE, providing crucial information to keep officers out of harms way, Tixier said. A K-9 officer on the scene also gave warning of a potential ambush.

Chavez eventually surrendered, was taken to the hospital and booked into custody. He has been charged with receiving or transferring stolen vehicles, tampering with evidence and possession of a firearm by a felon. He is being held on a $7,500 cash or surety bond.