Immediately after making the announcement, a gunshot was fired in very close proximity to the deputy. It is not clear whether the shots were fired at the deputy or elsewhere. The deputy retreated to an area of cover and requested additional resources. While awaiting assistance, three additional gunshots were heard in the area. Officers from the California Highway Patrol, deputies from the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office along with additional Amador County Sheriff’s deputies responded to assist.

Traffic on to Hwy 26 was blocked off at Hwy 88 and on the Calaveras side for some time while deputies checked the wooded area near the bridge and several vehicles in the vicinity. The camouflage-colored Jeep was towed and the dog left behind by the driver was picked up by Amador County animal control. While continuing to check the area, known associates of the suspect believed to be connected to the camouflage vehicle, were contacted nearby. They admitted to deputies that they had heard the scanner traffic regarding the incident and responded to the area to help the subject should he be in trouble. The suspect has not been located and this incident is still under investigation.  A Bill Lavallie story