An estimated seventy four people were seriously injured, with scores more suffering minor wounds today, after a car chase in Trenton, Alabama escalated into a gun fight in the middle of suburbia.

Police gave chase when a Toyota Corolla being driven 5 mph over the speed limit flew past their patrol car in a suburban part of town. Shortly after beginning their pursuit, the Officers noticed that the target had a brake light out and quickly decided upon a more bullish method of ending the chase, so as to apprehend the driver before the situation could escalate. Seizing their opportunity, they shifted their unmarked patrol car down a gear and pulled alongside the outlaw, then, with weapons drawn, they rammed the car off the road and into the safety of a petrol station forecourt. However, in a cruel twist of fate, the two cars collided into a petrol pump, triggering an explosion that engulfed a 50m square area. Dozens were seriously injured in the initial explosion, with further casualties mounting in the ensuing gun battle that raged when back-up arrived to secure the scene. Fearing a terrorist attack, the brave officers drew their weapons and rained down a hail of bullets on the scene. Some members of the public that had gathered were caught in the crossfire and a handful of paramedics were injured by the stray rounds.

The Deputies have been hailed as heroes in the small town and are in line to receive formal recognition from the mayors office. However, when Nuwz reported caught up with the men in their hospitals, they were typically modest about their actions.

‘We just did what any good officer would do in that situation. End the pursuit as fast as possible before the driver can put any citizens at risk.’

The driver miraculously survived the incident and, despite being treated in hospital for serious burns and a series of broken limbs, is on the fast-track justice programme that will see him in front of a judge in just four days time. He’s been charged with seventy three counts of attempted murder and fourteen counts of wanton destruction and it’s likely that he’ll spend the next forty years in a federal penitentiary.

Some left-wing media publications have suggested that the Alabama state police may have overreacted to the initial infringement, but Trenton Sheriff, Chuck Sanders, adamantly rebuffed such notions. ‘My brave officers did the only thing they could in the situation. Had they not intervened, we could have had a major incident on our hands.’