Attempted Cop Ambush

A wanted fugitive burst out of the trunk of a car to ambush an Idaho police officer using a toy gun.

Lewiston Police Officer Tom Woods wrestled the suspect Jesse Harrell to the ground and managed to arrest him without firing any shots.

The incident happened during a routine traffic stop, where Officer Woods pulled over Harrell's mother for driving without a license plate.

Police Chief Chris Ankeny explains why he’s releasing this video.

In a split second, a traffic stop turns into a life or death situation. A man comes out of the trunk armed with what appears to be a gun. Lewiston Police Officer Tom Woods wrestles him to the ground. No shots are fired.

“There's only split second to deal with that threat,” said Chief Ankeny. “That officer could have used deadly force.”