OAKHURST, Calif. — The Madera County Sheriff’s Office released body camera footage from an officer-involved shooting of a man who shot and wounded a K-9.
A suspect driving a stolen vehicle was taken into custody following a pursuit, foot chase, and exchange of gunfire with deputies on Nov. 20, according to a news release following the incident.
A dispatch center received reports of multiple hit-and-run collisions involving a stolen vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office. The vehicle’s owner recognized it, called 911, and remained on the line with dispatchers, providing updates on the suspect’s location.
Deputies attempted to intercept the vehicle by setting up a perimeter and deploying spike strips, according to the sheriff’s office. However, before reaching that point, the suspect drove off the road and fled on foot down a long driveway.
Video shows deputies pursuing the man on foot, sending K-9 Obie ahead to stop the suspect. The man can then be seen firing a shotgun, striking the K-9. Officers returned fire, wounding the man.
An on-scene deputy, who is also an EMT, provided immediate medical aid to the suspect. He was airlifted to a Fresno hospital, where he is expected to recover fully, according to the sheriff’s office.
K-9 Obie was transported to an emergency veterinary clinic, where X-rays revealed his body was riddled with shotgun pellets. While the pellets will remain in his body, veterinarians expect Obie to recover after extensive rehabilitation, according to the sheriff’s office.
The suspect, currently on probation in Mariposa County, has multiple outstanding felony warrants, including charges for being a felon in possession of ammunition and felony assault with a deadly weapon. Upon release from the hospital, he will face additional felony charges and be booked into the Madera County Jail, according to the release.
“I want to commend the swift and decisive response of our deputies, whose actions prevented further danger to the Oakhurst community,” Sheriff Tyson Pogue stated. “Apprehending a dangerous criminal like [the suspect] is a testament to their dedication to public safety. Our thoughts and prayers remain with our beloved K-9 Obie as he recovers. Obie’s bravery and selfless service may very well have saved a deputy’s life, and we are profoundly grateful for his sacrifice and courage.”
