Avery, CA…On March 12th, 2024, at approximately 7:40 PM, Calaveras County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a report of a suspicious vehicle near the area of McKay’s Road in Avery, CA. While responding to the area, deputies located a male walking on McKay’s Road. The male was identified as 33-year-old John Steele from Mountain Ranch. The deputy spoke with John Steele and became aware that he had several knives on his person. John Steele was released as the deputies continued to look for the suspicious vehicle.

Deputies subsequently located a vehicle that matched the description of the original suspicious vehicle near where they had contacted Mr. Steele. Investigation of the vehicle led to the discovery that it had been stolen from a location in San Andreas earlier in the day. Further investigation directly linked John Steele as a suspect associated with the vehicle.

Deputies attempted to locate Mr. Steele again, who was no longer walking on the roadway. They searched for about three hours in the forested area attempting to locate him. Suspect Steele was eventually located near Forest Road 5N38 when, upon contact, he refused to comply with the deputy’s commands to remove his hands from his pockets. The deputies knew he had several knives on his person from the previous contact.

Despite being warned that a less lethal device would be used if he did not comply with orders, Suspect Steele still refused to comply with commands, and Deputies were forced to utilize the less lethal device while attempting to safely place Suspect Steele under arrest. Suspect Steele continued to resist arrest and struggle with the deputies until he was placed into handcuffs.

Calaveras County Sheriff’s Deputies undergo specialized training in the use of less-lethal devices, ensuring they are prepared to handle situations where such force is necessary while prioritizing the safety of all individuals involved.

Suspect Steele was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance and then to the county jail, where he was booked on felony and misdemeanor charges.