San Andreas, CA…The following media release is to update information on the officer involved shooting that occurred on Mountain Ranch Road on 7-5-18. As previously reported, Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and CHP Officers responded around 2145 hours to multiple 911 calls regarding a man waiving a gun and acting strangely in the roadway.
Upon arrival Law Enforcement Officers encountered the suspect, now identified as John James Corrigan, who was brandishing a black rifle that had laser type sights attached to it. This weapon was later identified as an automatic air rifle manufactured overseas but it had several aftermarket modifications which made it appear more to be an assault rifle.
Corrigan pointed the red dot laser and rifle at law enforcement officers during the encounter and then turned to move towards several residences in the immediate area. Three law enforcement officers (2 Calaveras County Sheriff’s Deputies and 1 CHP Officer) fired their weapons at Corrigan.
Twelve (12) total shots were fired by the three officers. An autopsy was conducted on the suspect John James Corrigan. Toxicology results are still pending. Corrigan was struck three times, once in the arm and twice in the lower right side and middle of his back.
This is consistent with deputies’ statements that suspect Corrigan was refusing to comply with the officers’ orders and the shots were fired at the time suspect Corrigan was turning to move towards a residence in the immediate area.
Officers on scene would have additional concerns for the safety of oncoming motorists driving in the area as well as the safety of any occupants in a second house nearby.
As part of the investigation, detectives served a search warrant at suspect Corrigan’s residence on Mountain Ranch Road. A firearm and controlled substance was located and seized from that location.
The multi-agency investigation team will continue their work compiling details of the incident until this case has been completed.
There is no further information at this time.