Mountain Ranch, CA…On August 20th, 2020 at about 7:30pm, an argument ensued near the intersection of West Murray Creek and Salamander Road Mountain Ranch, CA. Christopher John Ingols (59 years old, Mountain Ranch) and a female neighbor (victim) allegedly began arguing over possession of rocks, which had been removed from a nearby creek. During the argument, a physical fight broke out. The argument escalated when the female victim retrieved an object similar to an axe handle, which she reportedly intended to defend herself with. However, the object was eventually taken from her by Christopher. The investigation later revealed that both Christopher and the female victim claim to have been struck by the axe handle from the opposing person.

Fearing further injury after being struck by the axe handle, the female victim drove away using Christopher’s truck, eventually parking the truck at the residence of a third neighbor. The female victim and the neighbor then returned to the Christopher’s residence using the neighbor’s vehicle.

At this time, Christopher reportedly fired one shot at or near the female victim and the neighbor while threatening to kill both of them if they did not return his truck. The female victim then returned to the neighbor’s residence where she retrieved Christopher’s truck. Despite the truck having a flat tire, the female victim drove the truck back to Christopher’s driveway where she parked it and began to walk away.

Christopher recovered his truck and drove on West Murray Creek Road where he encountered the female victim who was walking back towards her home. He reportedly made several threats and an additional argument ensued.

A fourth and unrelated male neighbor heard the argument and believed that a female acquaintance was in distress. The (fourth) neighbor drove to the area on an all-terrain vehicle where he encountered the female victim and Christopher.

As the fourth neighbor arrived and attempted to intervene on behalf of the female victim, Christopher fired several shots at him, resulting in injury to his leg and damage to the all-terrain vehicle.

The neighbor and female victim were able to escape the area and contact law enforcement while Christopher returned to his residence.

Deputies from the Calaveras Sheriff’s Office responded to Christopher’s residence where Christopher was arrested without incident. Detectives were called to the scene to continue the investigation. They worked through the night to process the crime scene, collect evidence and interview witnesses. The original female victim declined medical attention; however, the victim of the gunshot wound received medical treatment.

Christopher John Ingols was booked into the county jail on charges of Attempted Murder, Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Criminal Threats. He is being held with a bail of $2,230,000.00.

Source = CCSO