FAIRHOPE, Ala. — A police call that began with the report of a truck ramming parked cars and buildings Friday just after 4 a.m., ended with two officers injured and their patrol cars heavily damaged.

Sgt. Craig Sawyer of the Fairhope Police Department issued a press release later in the morning stating the initial incident occurred in the area of North Section Street at Volanta Avenue.

The first officer on the scene, Sgt. James “Clip” Gilheart, observed the suspect’s vehicle, a silver, 2006 Ford Ranger pickup, leaving the driveway of the Fly Creek Marina.

Gilheart stopped his cruiser on North Section Street and activated the car’s blue emergency lights. Police say the man, later identified as Paul Fernandez, 68, of Fairhope, then used his truck to ram the front of the patrol car, causing extensive damage to the police vehicle.

The suspect vehicle then rammed the driver’s side door of the police car, causing further damage, according to a report made by police. Fernandez then drove south on Section Street and turned west on Volanta Avenue, driving toward the bay, the report states.

Gilheart followed the truck, and was joined by Fairhope officers Tervelle Lee, John Morgan and Ben Taylor. Police tailed Fernandez as he drove the truck into the Fairhope Yacht Club parking lot. He drove through the lot, and was headed back toward the exit when Morgan stopped his patrol car in the lot.

The suspect allegedly rammed the front of Morgan’s patrol car, and was apparently trying to push the car when Taylor approached the driver’s side door of the suspect vehicle.

Police say Fernandez was possibly attempting to ram the car again or drive away, so Taylor used his Taser to gain control of the suspect and prevent him from causing further injury or damage. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Fernandez was booked into the Fairhope Municipal Jail and charged with two counts of assault in the second degree, two counts of reckless endangerment and multiple counts of criminal mischief in the first degree.

Traffic investigators are currently recreating the series of events to identify the damage caused during the offense.

Gilheart and Morgan were treated at Thomas Hospital for injuries and released. At press time, Fernandez was awaiting transfer to the Baldwin County Corrections Center in Bay Minette.

Sawyer stated Fernandez’s motive has not been determined. Police report he was in possession of a pistol at the time of arrest, but it was not used.

The damaged building is a multi-unit residence on North Section Street at the entrance to Fly Creek.