Valley Springs, CA…Update # 6 1-15-2025 5:30 PM. The Crisis Negotiation Team’s efforts to resolve the situation remained challenging due to the suspect refusing to cooperate. The Crisis Negotiation Teams continued their efforts despite his resistance. CNT persisted in their efforts to get the suspect to move away from the rifle voluntarily. An arrest team began moving toward the suspect as negotiations continued. As the arrest team was approaching the suspect, the UAV observed the suspect to have a handgun on his person. When asked by CNT to disarm, the suspect removed the firearm from his clothing and refused to comply.

He proceeded deeper into the canyon, making remarks intended to escalate the situation to a violent encounter with law enforcement. In response, the approaching arrest team stopped their advance to prevent any unnecessary interaction while maintaining visual surveillance from a concealed location. Despite the suspect’s unwillingness to cooperate, the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) remained committed to seeking compliance from the suspect.

At about 3:25 PM, the suspect chose to fire the weapon in his possession at law enforcement personnel located near his position. In response to this threat, the officers in the immediate vicinity were compelled to use their firearms for self-defense. Deputies approached the suspect and rendered aid until pre-staged medical staff could be transported via an on-scene helicopter to render further aid. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.

We extend our deepest sympathies to all affected by this tragic situation.

We emphasize that this information is preliminary and part of an ongoing investigation. In accordance with department policy, the deputies involved have 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. 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. This is an ongoing investigation, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.