The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of Sacramento area resident Albert Wheeler. He is wanted by the police for allegedly shooting at an officer who was responding with other officers to reports of an armed man waiving a handgun on Rivera Drive back on August 4th.
The officers said that they identified the 50-year-old Wheeler as the suspect and started looking for him that evening.He was reportedly spotted sometime later and a high-speed chase resulted.That’s when Wheeler opened fire on the pursuing officer, according to Sacramento police, before escaping in his truck.
Even though the truck was found, Wheeler has managed to stay hidden and out of custody.That’s why the ATF is offering the reward to encourage anyone with any information regarding Wheeler’s whereabouts to contact them or the Sacramento Police Department.
Meantime, Wheeler’s Facebook page has been inundated with comments from people expressing their thoughts on what happened to him.Some of those commenters have called on Wheeler to surrender now, so he can avoid a potentially dangerous showdown with police.
Others suggest Wheeler has led a good life up this point, may be suffering from mental illness, and is in need of professional help.
The ATF is asking for tips to be made at 1-888-283-8477 or by clicking to www.reportit.com. They say you may also contact the City of Sacramento Police Department at 1-916-808-0800.