Burglary suspect shot, wife missing

Courtesy of Madera County Sheriff’s Department

Gregory Anguiano.

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Madera County Sheriff’s Office released information about an officer-involved shooting that resulted in a death, and now, a missing person.

The burglary suspect, Gregory Anguiano, was shot, and killed, after taking an MCSO’s taser and was trying to remove the deputy’s firearm. During the investigation into Anguiano, MCSO detectives announced during a press conference Monday, that they have not been able to contact his wife, Claudia Anguiano, who was last seen June 15, and is presumed missing.

MCSO dispatchers received a 911 call reporting a residential burglary in progress Friday afternoon. About a minute later, a second call reported a man carrying a crowbar, charging at passing vehicles.

“Anguiano forcibly entered the home, and ransacked it prior to exiting the house when he was contacted by the deputy,” said MCSO Sheriff Tyson Pogue at the press conference.

An MCSO Sheriff’s deputy arrived in the area, contacted the suspect, and a confrontation ensued. During the confrontation, the suspect became combative, took the deputy’s TASER, and fired it at her, embedding both probes into the deputy’s body.

As the struggle continued, multiple calls came to 911 to report the deputy and suspect fighting on the ground. As the suspect was assaulting the deputy, and was attempting to remove her firearm, community members stopped, and assisted the deputy.

“We are incredibly grateful to the courageous citizens who stopped and came to the aid of our deputy during a violent struggle,” Pogue said. “Their actions were heroic, selfless, and a powerful reminder of the strong bond between this community and the men and women who serve it.”

The deputy was able to get to her firearm, and shot the suspect, who, despite life saving measures, died at the scene.

Under California law, the Department of Justice is required to conduct an independent investigation whenever an officer-involved shooting results in a death and the decedent was not in possession of a deadly weapon at the time of the incident. This is a standard, legally mandated step under Assembly Bill 1506 whenever these criteria are met and is not, by itself, an indication of wrongdoing by the deputy.

“As part of our standing protocol, Fresno Sheriff’s Office was requested to conduct the coroner investigation,” Pogue said. “At the point when the shot was fired, the suspect was not physically armed with a deadly weapon.”

The deputy was treated for minor injuries at the scene by EMS and was released.

Anguiano has arrests for burglary, resisting arrest, false ID to peace officer, DUI, vandalism and driving on a suspended license. He also has convictions of battery on a peace officer and domestic violence. 

Continuing the investigation, MCSO deputies found Anguiano’s vehicle, a Ford Escape, just west of Gaston Road near an orchard. They also found his cell phone on Avenue 12, near Gaston Road.

As part of the investigation, MCSO detectives noted that Claudia Anguiano has not been seen since she was in Whittier. The couple have been living in Whittier, but also has a residence in Fresno. 

“We believe they were relocating from Fresno to Whittier,” Pogue said.

Gregory Anguiano was in Moreno Valley on Thursday at a Del Taco. His vehicle traveled through Gilman Hot Springs, just outside of Hemet on June 18, and then back to Whittier at about 12:30 a.m. Friday morning.

Claudia Anguiano was arrested on June 11 for a domestic violation charge where Gregory was the reported victim. She was released on June 15, and hasn’t been seen since.

“She has not contacted her children which is extremely uncommon, and has not picked up her paycheck,” Pogue said. “Our detectives have also not been able to contact her over the past several days. We have great concern about Claudia.

“We are asking for the public’s help in bringing clarity to the days and hours leading up to this incident. If you saw Gregory or Claudia Anguiano, had contact with either of them, or have any information that may help us locate Claudia, please contact our office. Even the smallest detail may be important.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Madera County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 675-7770. Anonymous tips may be submitted through Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867), by texting “Tip MaderaSO” to 888777, or through the Madera Sheriff mobile app.

“I want to recognize our detectives for the thorough, methodical work they have done in a very complex and fast-moving investigation. Their commitment to following the facts, protecting the integrity of the case, and searching for answers has been outstanding,” Pogue said.