Gang member charged in Quincy drive-by

EPHRATA - The alleged driver in a Quincy shooting was caught after a chase ended with him hitting a garage.

Prosecutors charged Exso Miguel Lopez, 18, of Ephrata, in Grant County Superior Court with drive-by shooting, attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle and resisting arrest, according to court records.

Grant County Superior Court Judge John Knodell set bail at $100,000, according to court records.

Miguel Lopez reportedly admitted to police he was driving a blue Honda Accord, when an unidentified person shot toward a residence on B Street Northeast. Miguel Lopez allegedly told police the shooting was in retaliation against a rival gang, according to a Quincy police report. The shots allegedly hit a vehicle's trunk.

It's not clear whether the drive-by was aimed at the residence, a person on the street or the vehicle. Witnesses reportedly linked the car to the drive-by shooting, Police Chief Richard Ackerman said. The vehicle's owner is not affiliated with a gang.

As a group of five people were fleeing the scene, a Quincy officer driving near the high school spotted the Accord causing a large dust cloud on B Street Northeast, according to the police report. The officer began following the vehicle as it turned onto Road 10.5 Northwest. The officer turned on his emergency lights to stop the car.

Miguel Lopez allegedly drove onto a dirt lot, before swinging around and turning onto Road P Northwest, according to court records. The officer reportedly chased the car as Miguel Lopez turned onto Division Street East, reaching speeds of 50 mph. The Accord reportedly turned onto Sixth Avenue, and again reached 50 mph when Miguel Lopez attempted to turn into an alley between C Street and D Street.

Miguel Lopez reportedly lost control of the car, colliding with a garage, according to the police report. The five people in the vehicle allegedly ran. The officer reportedly chased Miguel Lopez, shooting him with a Taser and subduing him.

The officer didn't learn the vehicle was involved in the drive-by until after the chase was finished, Ackerman said.