By: JASON TRAHAN on August 19, 2007
Original Article: DALLAS MORNING NEWS, THE (TX)

Aug. 19–Chris Wilks’ car probably got him in trouble early Saturday morning. But it also got him out.

About 2:20 a.m., he was driving his black 1999 Saleen Mustang home in Cedar Hill after a night out with friends. At Clark and Wheatland roads, a Chevy Avalanche pulled alongside. A man inside tried to get his attention, but Mr. Wilks, 25, is used to that.

“I get looks every single day I drive that car,” he said.

But this time, offering a compliment isn’t what the other motorist had in mind.

“The light turned green, and he pointed a gun straight at me and pulled the trigger,” Mr. Wilks said. The shot missed both him and the car.

Mr. Wilks floored it, and the muscle car’s 425-horsepower engine enabled him to quickly leave the Avalanche behind.

It eventually caught up, however, and the gunman fired twice more, missing each time, according to a police report.

Mr. Wilks, who has worked as a stunt driver, lost his pursuers again, dialed 911 and eventually turned around and began chasing them to get a license plate number.

After nearly three miles at speeds above 100 mph, the pickup lost control, crashing through a fence and striking a backyard shed at Trees Drive and Middleton Road.

As neighbors began congregating, a propane tank inside the shed exploded, setting the house on fire. No one was injured, and part of the house near the garage was damaged.

Police recovered a .45-caliber pistol. They arrested Arturo Avila, 18, of Grand Prairie and Christopher Nevarez, 19, of Arlington on charges of aggravated assault. Each was being held at Lew Sterrett Justice Center in lieu of $25,000 bail late Saturday.

Mr. Wilks said police told him that if he hadn’t had such a quick car, he might not be alive.

So, will he keep it?

“To be honest with you,” Mr. Wilks said, “I really don’t think so.”