NATCHEZ — Police have arrested a local bed and breakfast owner for allegedly shooting at one of his acquaintances and later firing his weapon while being pursued by police Sunday evening.

Natchez Police Chief Walter Armstrong said Starling’s Rest Bed and Breakfast owner Paul Wade fired shots from his revolver — attached with a laser sight — at a man with whom he was familiar.

Armstrong could not identify the exact location of the shooting but said that the targeted man was a business associate of Wade’s.

While patrolling, an officer allegedly spotted a compact car headed in the opposite direction that matched a description of Wade’s vehicle, and a pursuit ensued “for some time,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong said Wade then pulled into the driveway of the antebellum house Hope Farm — located off Homochitto Street — and proceeded to “spin out.” Wade then allegedly exited the vehicle and fled into a wooded area trailed by at least one police officer. During that chase, Armstrong said Wade fired his weapon again.

“It’s a very dangerous proposition whether he fired the gun at the officer or whether he fired while he knew officers were pursuing him, because this could have been a very deadly situation,” Armstrong said.

Officers reportedly had Wade in custody as of 8:30 p.m. Sunday. He was subsequently taken to the Natchez Police Department for booking, though Armstrong said he did not know what the charges would be as of 9:30 p.m.

“We’re going to charge him with as much as we can,” he said.

Armstrong said the department would let the man involved in the initial shooting incident decide if he wanted to press charges against Wade.