A Tucson man pulled a gun on a UAPD officer last night, after he fled police who wanted to question him about suspicious activity in the University Medical Center parking lot.

Carlos Leon Santa Cruz, 25, of 771 W. Tennessee St., was first seen looking into parked cars in the UMC parking lot at 5:24 p.m. An employee called UAPD to report the suspicious activity. Two officers at the North Campbell Avenue and East Speedway Boulevard intersection responded, said Sgt. Eugene Mejia, spokesman for the UAPD.

The officer saw the suspect, described as a 20-year-old Hispanic male wearing a cowboy hat, walking down North Campbell Avenue. When the officer approached the man, he ran across the street and into the Taco Bell parking lot, 1818 E. Speedway Blvd. The officer followed on foot as the suspect ran westbound on Speedway, Mejia said.

When the suspect got to the parking lot outside Dirtbag's, 1800 E. Speedway Blvd., he pulled out a weapon and pointed it at the officer. The officer drew his weapon and told the man to put his weapon down, which he did.

After throwing the gun to the ground, the suspect ran down the alley behind Taco Bell. Another responding officer apprehended him without further incident, Mejia said.

The gun was stolen in Phoenix. The man was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a stolen firearm, both felonies. If convicted, the man may face prison time.

The suspect is being held for questioning. The investigation into suspected car thefts in the area is ongoing.