Carjacking suspect killed by CHP

A carjacking suspect died after being shot by a California Highway Patrol officer during a foot chase Sunday.

Authorities had not identified the man at press time as they were still trying to notify his next of kin.

Madera County sheriff’s investigators found a firearm Monday in the area of the shooting, Ave. 12 and State Route 41, as well as live rounds. All items recovered at thescene, including the firearm and ammunition, will be examined by crime lab personnel.

Before 2 p.m. Sunday, Madera County sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a carjacking on State Route 41 and Avenue 15, according to sheriff’s Cmdr. Tyson Pogue. Witnesses told authorities that one of the male suspects brandished a firearm to steal the vehicle and allegedly drove it away while two men tried to flee on foot but were stopped by citizens until CHP arrived and took them into custody.

The two men were interviewed by detectives and released, Pogue said.

At 2:19 p.m., CHP reported a single vehicle collision in which the armed driver ran away afterwards. Around 3 p.m., a sheriff’s reserve deputy reported seeing the suspect in the area of Avenue 12 and SR 41 covered in dirt. CHP officers and an air unit pursued him as he actively attempted to evade them, authorities said.

A CHP officers chasing the suspect fire his gun and hit the man, who died despite attempts to save his life by CHP officers, deputies and emergency response staff, Pogue said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 675-7770 or Valley Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP (7867).