An off duty deputy Sheriff was shot Tuesday afternoon as he was cycling on Friant Road just south of the town of Friant.
Shortly after 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, the Sheriff’s Office received a cell phone call from the deputy requesting deputies and Emergency Medical Services to respond to his location as he had just been shot by a passing motorist.
The deputy reported he had been cycling on Friant Rd when he heard an unknown type sound and then felt something strike his back. The force knocked the deputy from his bike and he first thought he had been shot with a paint ball gun.
When the deputy looked up, he saw the rear passenger in a blue colored SUV pulling a rifle back inside the vehicle. The vehicle continued northbound on Friant Road towards the town of Friant. Two other subjects were also in the vehicle.
The deputy checked his back for any signs of paint but then realized he was bleeding from a wound near his spine.
The deputy was transported to Community Regional Medical Center for treatment and is in good condition. It appears that the projectile is a small caliber bullet. However, due to the location of the projectile, doctors will not remove it.
Several deputies responded to the area but have not located the vehicle or suspects. Detectives were requested and are now handling the investigation.
The suspect vehicle is described as a dark blue colored Chevy or GMC Suburban type SUV.
The injured deputy has been with the Sheriff’s Office for several years and is currently assigned to patrol.
TXT 24
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