RATHDRUM - Police were still searching early Saturday evening for a man who fired shots at an Idaho State Police officer, then escaped despite a nearly 12-hour search by law enforcement.

According to a Kootenai County Sheriff's Office press release, deputies tried to stop a pickup truck for a traffic violation on Highway 41, just south of Spirit Lake, before midnight on Friday.

Several agencies, including Spirit Lake police, ISP and the Rathdrum police, chased the suspect vehicle for 30 minutes.

"Each time an agency called off the pursuit, the pickup truck was spotted by a different agency," the release said.

ISP located the vehicle in Athol and pursued it to Rathdrum. The pickup left Highway 53, turned onto Bingham Road and stopped at the dead end street. The driver fled on foot with the ISP officer in pursuit.

"Seconds into the foot pursuit, the suspect fired a handgun at the ISP officer and continued his flight into the wooded area," the release said.

The officer was not hurt.

Law enforcement set a perimeter around the scene and utilized numerous resources, including Spokane County's Air 1 helicopter.

After searching the area for nearly 12 hours, law enforcement officials said they believe the suspect slipped through the containment and remains at large.

Police seized the pickup as evidence and are checking it for clues to the driver's identity and perhaps a reason to explain why he fled.

The suspect is described as about 5-foot, 9-inches tall, medium build, wearing a long-sleeved gray shirt, light blue jeans and possibly a blue ball cap.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call 446-1300.

"If the suspect is seen, please do not attempt to contact him as he is considered armed and extremely dangerous," the release said.