Gunshot leads to chase across Cape bridge

Cape Girardeau police are investigating a shooting incident Wednesday that led to a vehicle pursuit over the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge into Illinois.

No one was injured. It appears a gun was fired once, near a child, in the area of Maple and Sprigg streets, according to Sgt. Barry Hovis, spokesman for the police department.

The incident occurred between 6:15 and 6:30 p.m., Hovis said.

The suspect fled in a vehicle, and an officer at the scene recognized the driver. A short pursuit followed, but when the the car crossed the bridge, driving recklessly, police stopped following for fear of someone getting hurt, Hovis said.

A warrant will likely be issued for the person's arrest for unlawful use of a weapon, based on witness information, and the charges may be upgraded as the investigation continues, Hovis said.