West Point, CA…This is an update to previous releases of information which were disseminated on January 19th, 2024. The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office is committed to remaining transparent regarding this incident. Details that will not compromise the early stages of this investigation will be released as they become available. On the morning of January 19th, 2024, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office and the Amador County Sheriff’s SWAT conducted a joint operation to serve a search warrant at the residence of Michael Powell, age 40. This warrant, obtained by the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Investigations unit and authorized by the Calaveras County Superior Court, pertained to Mr. Powell’s possession of firearms as a prohibited person and the unsafe discharge of firearms in the area.

During the execution of the warrant, law enforcement established a perimeter around Powell’s residence and made efforts to communicate with him. However, Powell refused to comply or exit the residence, resulting in a concerning turn of events when he fired several rounds from inside the house toward deputies. Fortunately, there were no injuries to any deputies.

The Crisis Negotiation Team from the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office made every effort to de-escalate the situation by offering Powell space and time to cooperate, but unfortunately, he remained uncooperative and threatening and declined intervention from Behavioral Health specialists.

As the situation unfolded and, in an attempt to take Powell into custody without harm to him or any law enforcement officer, chemical agents were deployed into the residence at approximately 5:00 PM.

Powell’s behavior became erratic, and he exited the residence and discharged his weapon several times in close proximity to law enforcement personnel. In response to this, and for the protection of the officers and community, one Deputy from the Calaveras Sheriff’s Office fired one or more rounds which struck Powell, effectively stopping Powell’s shooting.

Deputies promptly administered first aid until ambulance staff took over. Powell was then transported to an out-of-area hospital for treatment of his injuries.

The continuing investigation into this incident is being conducted by the California Department of Justice, the Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office, and the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office.

We emphasize that this information is preliminary and part of an ongoing investigation. In accordance with department policy, the deputy involved has been placed on paid administrative leave. The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office is committed to transparency and will provide additional details as they become available. We encourage the public to refer to our official media pages for further updates.