SANTA ROSA, CA – A high-speed chase and shootout in California have resulted in four law enforcement officers being injured, with one in critical condition, according to local officials.
The incident transpired early Monday near Santa Rosa when officers responded to reports of an individual wielding a rifle. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office said that upon arrival, deputies encountered the suspect who initiated a pursuit.
The suspect reportedly halted his vehicle multiple times during the chase to shoot at the pursuing officers before continuing to flee. Deputies returned fire, culminating in the suspect crashing his vehicle.
Four deputies sustained injuries during the incident. One officer was shot in the leg, two suffered hand injuries, and one deputy is in critical but stable condition due to a head injury. The suspect was declared dead at the scene. Neither the suspect nor the injured officers have been identified yet.
Deputy Sheriff Rob Dillion of Sonoma County informed the press that each injured deputy was in a separate vehicle, leading to multiple crime scenes as the suspect fired shots at different locations.
Sheriff Eddie Engram expressed his concern for the injured deputies and hopes for their quick recovery. He acknowledged the chaotic nature of the incident and stated that a comprehensive understanding of the events was still being determined.
The investigation is now under the jurisdiction of the Santa Rosa Police Department. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office has committed to releasing bodycam footage in compliance with state law.
A local resident reported being awakened by the sound of gunfire early Monday, followed by a brief silence and a subsequent exchange of shots.