Update - Officer Involved Shooting in Valley Springs
(Valley Springs, CA) On July 1, 2012 at 12:41 A.M. a Calaveras
Sheriff’s deputy responded to the 30 block of Pelican Place, Valley
Springs, for a report of a family disturbance. Upon arrival, and prior
to being able to exit his patrol vehicle, the deputy was approached by a
male adult, identified as Michael Garner Ward (26) of Valley Springs,
brandishing a shotgun. As Suspect Ward approached the deputy he pointed
the shotgun towards the deputy. Fearing for his safety, the deputy,
while seated in his patrol vehicle, fired two shots through the
windshield at Suspect Ward. Suspect Ward was not struck by the deputy’s
gunfire. A third subject who witnessed the incident was able to disarm
the suspect. Suspect Ward was allegedly intoxicated during the incident
which prompted the initial call of a family disturbance.
Suspect Ward was arrested and booked into the Calaveras County jail
on the charge of Penal Code 245 (d) (1): Assault with a Deadly Weapon
(firearm) Against a Peace Officer. Other charges may be pending.
The deputy, Josh Shemenski, a 5-year veteran of the sheriff’s
office, received minor injuries and was transported to Mark Twain
Hospital, but was later released. Deputy Shemenski was placed on paid
administrative leave, which is standard procedure in these types of
incidents. The Suspect’s shotgun was recovered at the scene and
confiscated as evidence.
This investigation is ongoing, both by the Calaveras County District
Attorney’s Office and the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office. Additional
information will be released as the investigation continues.
For full details, view this message on the web.
