Police Chief Larry Marx said an informant told officers about a white 2001 Chevy Tahoe connected with James "Stylz" Carter, 31, a member of the 808 gang who is wanted on a parole violation.

Carter - who has a lengthy criminal history that includes convictions for assault, possessing a dangerous weapon and drug charges - was spotted just after midnight in the Tahoe.

The officers, whom Marx declined to name, initiated a traffic stop at 1300 E. 5000 South.

Carter, a passenger in the Tahoe, pushed his acquaintance, Matthew Adamson, out of the driver's seat, put the vehicle in reverse and attempted to hit the officers. Instead, he slammed into the front-right fender of the patrol car and took off.

Fearing for their safety, one of the officers drew his weapon and fired six rounds at Carter, Marx said. After a short pursuit, police lost the fugitive.

"We don't have any indication he was hit by a bullet," Marx said. "We're very concerned he may be hit and wounded and may need medical attention."

Adamson, meanwhile, was taken into custody by a Salt Lake County sheriff's detective.

Taylorsville police, U.S. Marshals and Adult Probation and Parole officers are now pursuing Carter, who is considered armed and extremely dangerous, Marx said.

Carter, a Salt Lake Area Gang Project Public Enemy Number One since September, was last seen Friday in the Tahoe, with Utah license plate 351 NAY. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.

lrosetta@sltrib.com