A Selma man is sitting in the Dallas County Jail for firing a gun near police officers.

According to Public Information Officer Warren Hinson, Leroy Williams of Selma, 43, was arrested Jan. 16 around Lawrence and Selma Ave.

The arrest stems from an incident Jan. 8 that began on Marie Foster Street.

Williams fired a number of shots into a car driving south on Marie Foster, according to the police report.

When Officers Ed Merrill and Ray Moore arrived at the scene, Hinson said, Williams ran east through a group of houses.

The officers gave chase and found Williams in the 1300 block of Weaver Street. Williams was still running and at one point he fired the pistol, according to police.

Hinson said that the officers ordered Williams to stop and drop the pistol. Williams did drop his weapon, she added, but continued to run.

Merrill and Moore retrieved the gun, and turned it over to the evidence technician.

Hinson said that a warrant was issued for Williams’ arrest.

Eight days later Williams was arrested and charged with a felony because he wasn’t allowed to have a weapon due to a previous conviction.

Hinson said that in 1988 Williams was convicted of unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle.

After Williams’ arrest, Hinson said, he was charged with certain persons forbidden to possess a pistol and failure to obey a police officer. He was then booked and brought to the Dallas County Jail on $10,000 bond.

Hinson added that federal charges could be pending against Williams.

Sgt. Jimmy Martin, the arresting officer, commended Merrill and Moore for their sound judgment when Williams fired the gun.