Amador County Region – A Calaveras County Sheriff’s detective suffered a minor gunshot wound to his shoulder Wednesday while investigating an auto theft case near Railroad Flat. A suspect, Michael D. Thompson, 29, of Mokelumne Hill, was shot multiple times and hospitalized in serious but stable condition, as of Thursday morning at Modesto Memorial Hospital. Calaveras County Sheriff’s Sergeant Dave Seawell said Thursday that: “As of this morning investigators have determined that Detective Rick DiBasilio had been struck by ricocheting metal fragments as a result of shots fired by Detective Wade Whitney.” Investigators concluded that rounds fired by Whitney fragmented as they hit the suspect’s vehicle, and at least 1 round struck DiBasilio. Seawell said “2 small bullet fragments remain in DiBasilio’s left shoulder.” The 6-year Calaveras sheriff’s office veteran was treated and released late Wednesday from Mark Twain Hospital and expected to fully recover. The incident began Wednesday morning when detectives served a search warrant in Rail Road Flat, for possession of stolen property. Suspect John Palmer, wanted for 2 outstanding arrest warrants, was not at the residence, but detectives recovered a stolen vehicle and stolen items. Returning to headquarters, DiBasilio and Whitney passed a white Chevrolet Camaro, similar to one Palmer reportedly was driving. The detectives later found the vehicle parked at 5915 Rail Road Flat Road, and Thompson working under its hood. As detectives approached and announced their presence, Thompson ran to start the car. DiBasilio tried to prevent Thompson from starting the car and reached into it. Thompson started the car, placed the vehicle into reverse, and drove backwards, turning the Camaro into DiBasilio as he raced the engine in reverse while DiBasilio hung on, to maintain his balance and avoid being run over. Seawell said Whitney believed DiBasilio was going to be run over. In response, Whitney fired multiple rounds into the vehicle in an attempt to stop Thompson. Thompson was subsequently struck several times in the upper torso and the car stopped. Seawell said Whitney and DiBasilio secured Thompson and immediately rendered first aid and called for medical assistance. The vehicle driven by Thompson was found to be stolen. It was seized, and authorities are seeking a warrant to search it. Thompson has a history of resisting arrest, possession of controlled substances, illegal firearm possession and probation and parole violations. The DA is considering charges for Thompson. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County Region – A Calaveras County Sheriff’s detective suffered a minor gunshot wound to his shoulder Wednesday while investigating an auto theft case near Railroad Flat. A suspect, Michael D. Thompson, 29, of Mokelumne Hill, was shot multiple times and hospitalized in serious but stable condition, as of Thursday morning at Modesto Memorial Hospital. Calaveras County Sheriff’s Sergeant Dave Seawell said Thursday that: “As of this morning investigators have determined that Detective Rick DiBasilio had been struck by ricocheting metal fragments as a result of shots fired by Detective Wade Whitney.” Investigators concluded that rounds fired by Whitney fragmented as they hit the suspect’s vehicle, and at least 1 round struck DiBasilio. Seawell said “2 small bullet fragments remain in DiBasilio’s left shoulder.” The 6-year Calaveras sheriff’s office veteran was treated and released late Wednesday from Mark Twain Hospital and expected to fully recover. The incident began Wednesday morning when detectives served a search warrant in Rail Road Flat, for possession of stolen property. Suspect John Palmer, wanted for 2 outstanding arrest warrants, was not at the residence, but detectives recovered a stolen vehicle and stolen items. Returning to headquarters, DiBasilio and Whitney passed a white Chevrolet Camaro, similar to one Palmer reportedly was driving. The detectives later found the vehicle parked at 5915 Rail Road Flat Road, and Thompson working under its hood. As detectives approached and announced their presence, Thompson ran to start the car. DiBasilio tried to prevent Thompson from starting the car and reached into it. Thompson started the car, placed the vehicle into reverse, and drove backwards, turning the Camaro into DiBasilio as he raced the engine in reverse while DiBasilio hung on, to maintain his balance and avoid being run over. Seawell said Whitney believed DiBasilio was going to be run over. In response, Whitney fired multiple rounds into the vehicle in an attempt to stop Thompson. Thompson was subsequently struck several times in the upper torso and the car stopped. Seawell said Whitney and DiBasilio secured Thompson and immediately rendered first aid and called for medical assistance. The vehicle driven by Thompson was found to be stolen. It was seized, and authorities are seeking a warrant to search it. Thompson has a history of resisting arrest, possession of controlled substances, illegal firearm possession and probation and parole violations. The DA is considering charges for Thompson. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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