July 28--TURLOCK -- Turlock police fatally shot a suspect and an officer was wounded by gunfire Saturday morning after a freeway chase and attempted carjacking.
The chase began in Turlock about 6:30 a.m., and it ended with the shootout in northern Merced County.
The wounded Turlock officer, who was shot in the leg, has been treated at a hospital and released. The male suspect, whose identity has not been released, died at the scene near the Highway 99 interchange with Bradbury Road.
Here's what Turlock Police say happened:
About 6:19 a.m., Turlock police officers spotted a reportedly stolen Honda that had been involved in a police chase on Tuesday. The car was parked outside the Venice Motel at 1114 North Golden State Blvd., and police saw a white man approach it.
When the suspect saw police, he reportedly brandished a handgun, got in the Honda and drove west on Fulkerth Avenue to south Highway 99.
Police pursued. The suspect took the Bradbury off ramp, then stopped and jumped out the Honda's passenger side door.
As officers chased him, the armed suspect reportedly tried to hijack a pickup driving west on Bradbury. The suspect reportedly shot into the pickup, prompting Turlock police to shoot the man.
Early reports from the scene had indicated the truck's driver had been grazed by a bullet, but Turlock police did not confirm that in their official recounting of events.
The wounded officer's name has not been released. The suspect's identity won't be revealed until after his family is notified.
The Merced County Sheriff's Department is handling the criminal investigation, since the shooting took place in that county. The Turlock Police Department will conduct an administrative investigation.
Turlock Police Chief Robert Jackson and Merced County Sheriff Mark Pazin plan to hold a news conference at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Anyone with information about the crime can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636.
------
Copyright 2012 - The Modesto Bee, Calif.
