Disbelief is starting to give way to pain and confusion for Clifford Finch's loved ones. Timothy Jones still can't believe the accusations against his cousin.

"The family is struggling. Obviously it's been a difficult time," Jones told KSEE 24 News Tuesday evening.

Fresno police say Finch, 58, led them on a high-speed chase. It ended with a crash in the northwest district near Herdon Avenue and Golden State; then a dramatic shootout, where Finch was hit several times.

Finch is now facing two counts of attempted murder on a police officer as well as a host of other felonies.

"There is so much shock. This is out of character. It's difficult for everybody to comprehend," Jones said.

Finch has been a recognized member of the community in part because of his topiary business and in part because his son, Andy Finch, is an Olympic snowboarder.

“He's a gentleman. He's a substantial part of the community, a great family man. He's contributed to our country as a Vietnam veteran." Finch was even awarded a Purple Heart for his service overseas.

Family members say it's that service in war which may have triggered an emotional downward spiral. Psychiatrists at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center have seen this before.

"Conflicts that occur at home that become violent- those are big red flags," said Chief Director of Mental Health Dr. Nestor Manzano.

And there were certainly conflicts. Finch's brother, Craig Finch, tells KSEE 24 News the suspect's picture-perfect marriage was on the rocks; his wife was trying to get medical help for her husband.

There are also theories that seeing images of the war in Iraq may have brought back memories of Cliff Finch's own service in Vietnam.

"If you're in a flashback, you don't see this as the police. You may see them as an enemy attacking you or you're trying to rescue someone so you're speeding to get the rescue mission going," said Dr. Hami Khouzam, a psychiatrist at the V.A. Medical Center.

"I can definitely tell you the information that I have about what transpired over the last 30 days is so out of character. Something obviously was affecting him deeply that was difficult to explain," Jones said.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Finch was still in critical condition at Community Regional Hospital. His brother said he'd been shot several times in the face, neck, arms and back.

Jones says the family is reviewing what happened. He says it's too early to comment on accusations of excessive police force. He is, however, asking people to reserve judgment on Cliff Finch until the investigation complete.

Meanwhile, a Fresno police spokesman says officers, faced with a lethal threat, handled the situation correctly.

Click on the video link to watch Catherine Mylinh's interview with the suspect's family.