Four Northern California sheriff’s deputies were injured, one critically, during a gunfight early Monday with a suspect who led them on a car chase and opened fire on them before dying in a crash, authorities said.
The shooting occurred just after midnight local time near Santa Rosa in Sonoma County, authorities said. The suspect was killed after crashing his vehicle, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.
“During the pursuit, the suspect stopped, fired shots at the deputies, and continued the pursuit. Deputies returned fire and, ultimately, the suspect crashed the vehicle he was driving,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
A motive for the shooting is under investigation by the Santa Rosa Police Department.
One of the deputies involved in the incident suffered a head injury and was taken to a hospital in critical but stable condition, according to the sheriff’s office. Another deputy suffered a bullet wound to the leg, and two others sustained unspecified injuries to their hands, the sheriff’s office said.
The names of the dead suspect and the injured deputies were not immediately released.
The incident unfolded when the deputies responded to investigate a report of a person brandishing a rifle in an unincorporated Sonoma County area west of Santa Rosa, according to the sheriff’s office.
When the deputies arrived at the scene, they found the suspect, who got into a vehicle and sped off, leading the deputies on a chase, the sheriff’s office said.
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. It was not immediately clear if he died from injuries suffered in the crash or if he was shot by one of the deputies who returned fire.
The Santa Rosa Police Department was assigned to investigate the incident after the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office invoked a critical incident protocol for officer-involved shooting.
The sheriff’s department said the chase and gunfight were captured on body-worn cameras the deputies were equipped with. The footage is expected to be made public at some point in keeping with state law, according to the sheriff’s department.
Four California Sheriff’s Deputies were injured in a shootout and chase with a suspect armed with a rifle in a tense and dangerous confrontation that unfolded in a quiet suburban neighborhood. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, left residents shocked and concerned about the safety of their community.
The deputies were responding to a call about a disturbance at a residence when they encountered the suspect, who was armed with a high-powered rifle. The suspect opened fire on the deputies, sparking a fierce gun battle that lasted for several minutes. In the chaos and confusion of the exchange of gunfire, four deputies were wounded, with two sustaining serious injuries.
Despite their injuries, the deputies showed remarkable courage and determination as they continued to pursue the suspect, who fled the scene in a stolen vehicle. A high-speed chase ensued, with the suspect weaving through traffic and firing shots at pursuing law enforcement vehicles.
The chase finally came to an end when the suspect crashed his vehicle into a ditch and attempted to flee on foot. The deputies quickly apprehended him and placed him under arrest, bringing an end to the terrifying ordeal.
The injured deputies were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, where they are currently recovering from their wounds. The community has rallied around them, offering their support and well-wishes for a speedy recovery.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis as they work to protect and serve their communities. It also highlights the importance of providing our first responders with the resources and support they need to carry out their duties safely and effectively.
As the investigation into the incident continues, authorities are working to determine the motive behind the suspect’s actions and whether he had any accomplices. In the meantime, the community is coming together to show their gratitude and appreciation for the brave deputies who put their lives on the line to keep them safe.
