Criminal charges were filed on Friday against a Los Angeles man who allegedly led the police on a two-part, high-speed chase that ended when his car struck several vehicles, including one which is overturned.

Tyree Francis, aged 24, pleaded not guilty to two counts each of the assault on a peace officer, assault with the deadly weapon and evading an officer, along with one count each of evading an officer causing the injury, hit-and-run and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The high-speed police chase on Wednesday began on the Harbor (110) Freeway, but the officers lost sight of him. He was later spotted in a shopping center, where his vehicle nearly struck the two Los Angeles police officers and two pedestrians, the prosecutors allege.

One of the officers opened fire after Francis allegedly drove toward him. Neither of the officers were injured, police said.

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According to the district attorney’s office, in the another pursuit ensued during which Francis allegedly struck four vehicles, injuring four people and disabling his car, before surrendering to police. The police had to pull one woman out of her overturned car.

Francis also allegedly evaded the officers during a chase a day earlier, according to the prosecutors.

The Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Kristi Lousteau ordered Francis to be held in lieu of $5 million bail. He is due back in court on March 1st, when the date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require him to stand trial.

If convicted as charged, he could face charges up to 137 years to life in the state prison, according to the District Attorney's Office.

By Mrudula.