Chase leads to officer involved shooting

The Madera County Sheriff’s Communications Center received a report of multiple hit and runs with a vehicle in the area of Highway 49 and State Route 41 in Oakhurst.

A suspect was driving a stolen vehicle and its owner recognized it. The victim then called 911 and stayed on the phone with dispatch, updating the vehicle’s location shortly after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. During the call, the suspect also rammed the reporting party’s car.

Deputies set up a perimeter in the area in an effort to spike and disable the vehicle. However, before the suspect made it to that point, he drove the vehicle off the road and ran. Deputies then gave chase down a long driveway. During the foot chase, the suspect shot K9 Obie with a shotgun and an exchange of gunfire occurred. K9 Obie and the suspect were both struck.