Sonora, CA…On Saturday around 7:05 pm, dispatch received multiple reports of an intoxicated male subject who crashed his vehicle into the front of the Twain Harte, 7-11. Within approximately 15 minutes after the first call, Calfire first responders called TCSO dispatch requesting “Code 3,” emergency response by deputies. Calfire reported the driver of the vehicle was attempting to leave the scene while intoxicated and in possession of a revolver.

Deputies responded with their lights and sirens towards the area of Twain Harte from Sonora. While deputies were responding, witnesses reported the vehicle was “blacked out” with no lights and ran two vehicles off the roadway while traveling at a high rate of speed westbound on Highway 108.

Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle near Mono Way and Christie May Lane in East Sonora. The driver of the vehicle did not stop, leading deputies on a pursuit with speeds reaching up to 95 mph.

The driver led one deputy in a pursuit to the area of Edgemont Acres Road in Sonora. The driver, 51-year-old Fred Westmoreland stopped his vehicle in the driveway of an adjacent residence where he exited his vehicle and confronted the deputy armed with a revolver. A CHP Officer arrived on scene to assist the Deputy.

Westmoreland pointed his loaded revolver at the responding deputy and CHP officer. The responding deputy and officer engaged Westmoreland with their firearms striking him multiple times.

Multiple deputies and supporting medical agencies provided medical aid and CPR; however, Westmoreland was pronounced deceased at the scene by paramedics. The involved deputy suffered minor injuries as a result of this incident. A loaded, .22 Caliber, single-action revolver containing two live rounds of ammunition and four spent casings was recovered from Westmoreland at the scene.

Three additional firearms were recovered from Westmorland’s vehicle: one loaded 12-gauge shotgun, a loaded 30-06 bolt action rifle and a loaded .410 shotgun with a sawed-off barrel. Investigators recovered several items of drug paraphernalia and suspected methamphetamine from Westmorland’s vehicle.

Any loss of life is tragic, and we empathize with all involved in this traumatic incident. The officer-involved shooting remains under investigation. Per standard procedure, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave. More details will be released as the investigation continues.

Original Release:
On Saturday at around 7:20 in the evening deputies responded to the area of 7-11 for a report of a vehicle crash into a building. The involved vehicle fled the scene leading deputies on a pursuit to the area of Edgemont Acres Road in Sonora where an officer involved shooting occurred.

This incident is actively under investigation. There is a high level of activity in the area, so please avoid the area.

Due to the active investigation no further information will be released at this time