Deputy shot during gun battle; suspect arrested
Kayla Serratto/Madera County Sheriff’s Department
Madera County sheriff’s deputies late Sunday put suspect Luis Alberto Maravilla, 39, into a squad car after a five-hour gunfight at a residence northeast of Madera. Deputies believe Maravilla fired a shot which wounded a deputy sergeant in the leg, as well as firing numerous rounds at other deputies.
A Madera County deputy sheriff was shot in the leg while responding to a domestic disturbance call Sunday night in the 28000 block of Avenue 15 3/4 just north of the city. The caller had advised a 911 dispatcher that the subject had a firearm, according to sheriff’s public information officer, Kayla Serratto.
Multiple law enforcement agencies closed roads, set up a perimeter and helped secure the area as the gunfire continued to ring out.
After a five-hour standoff and gunfight, Luis Alberto Maravilla, 39, was arrested on multiple charges of felony first-degree, attempted murder of a peace officer, discharge of a firearm in a grossly negligent manner, criminal threats with intent to terrorize, and domestic battery, after repeatedly shooting at deputies from inside the residence. No other injuries were reported.
The injured deputy, Sgt. Mike Pace, a 28-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for a gunshot wound. Pace has been released and is recovering at home, according to Serratto.
Neighbors reported hearing gunshots shortly after 9 p.m. and seeing many police and emergency lights in the area.
“There were groups of rapid shots, eight or nine at time, a pause, and then more. It went on for quite a while,” said Kay Rhoads, who could see the area and the red glow of emergency lights from her property.
Rhoads said she was shocked by the shooting nearby but got a robo call from authorities about 11 p.m. advising her to lock doors and stay inside, and another call at 2:30 a.m. when the shooter had been taken into custody.
“I was very surprised and grateful for that information. What a great service that is,” she said.
An investigation is underway to determine what set the incident into motion. Anyone with further information is asked to please contact the Madera County Sheriff’s Office at 675-7770.
