BONNEY LAKE, Wash. - A police officer opened fire on a suspect during a chase early Thursday after the suspect attempted to ram him with his car.

The pursuit began at about 2:45 a.m. when the Bonney Lake officer attempted a routine traffic stop at 234th Avenue East and South Prairie Road.

For unknown reasons the driver took off as soon as the officer activated his lights and siren, so the officer gave chase, said Officer Tony Rice of the Bonney Lake Police Department.

When they reached the town of South Prairie, the suspect drove down a dead-end road and turned around, then attempted to run down the pursuing officer.

The officer opened fire at the suspect, but it is not known if the suspect was hit.

The driver ultimately escaped from the officer. But the suspect's car was later found where it ran off the road and crashed near Pioneer Way East & South Prairie Carbon River Road East in Orting.

The suspect then fled on foot. Police searched the area using a helicopter but the suspect could not be found.

Rice said it's not clear why the driver fled from the traffic stop. The car was not reported stolen.

He said police have some leads that they hope will help them identify and find the suspect.