2 Dead After Chase, Shootout With Visalia Police

VISALIA, Calif. (AP) - Authorities say two suspects are dead after pursuit and shootout with police in the Central Valley city of Visalia.

Visalia police say when officers tried to make a traffic stop around 11:30 p.m. Friday the driver refused to pull over and a chase began.

Visalia police Lt. Brian Winter says the pursuit began on surface streets, but continued onto Highway 99, with the car crashing into a dirt field when the driver later tried to get off the highway.

After the crash, Winter says several people ran from the car, and shots were fired at police. Three officers returned fire, hitting three of the suspects.

Winter says two of the suspects hit by gunfire died. The third is being treated at a hospital. Two additional suspects remained with the car and were not hurt.

Police say they recovered two handguns at the scene.

No additional details have been released.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.)