MADERA COUNTY—The Madera County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is currently cooperating with an investigation into the circumstances surrounding an officer-involved shooting incident.
Madera County Sheriff
On Monday, March 27, 2023, Madera County Sheriff’s Investigators were conducting a follow-up investigation into the recent homicide in North Fork when they located 28-year-old Brandunn Wilson leaving a residence in the town of Friant. Wilson was identified as a suspect in the March 12 murder of Adrian Reyes, as reported here. Deputies have been attempting to locate him since.
After a short period of time, Wilson fled the scene at a high rate of speed. Fresno County Sheriff’s Eagle One initiated a pursuit with additional air support. Wilson continued to flee at rates of speed exceeding 110 mph from the county of Fresno into the county of Madera. Out of an abundance of caution, local schools were placed on a brief lockdown while Wilson passed through the area.
Screenshot of FlightRadar tracking Eagle One during the search for Brandunn Wilson.
Wilson abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot in a remote area near Mammoth Pool Road above North Fork. Given the circumstances, the Madera County Regional SWAT Team responded, and a shelter-in-place was issued for residents in the area. Despite the brushy and heavily wooded terrain, Eagle One tracked his location significantly and coordinated ground units to Wilson’s location. After over 3 hours of searching, deputies located Wilson. Ultimately, gunfire was exchanged, and Wilson was declared deceased at the scene.
As is customary, the criminal investigation of the deputy-involved shooting has been turned over to the Madera Police Department. The Madera County District Attorney’s Office will also review the incident. Additionally, MCSO will do an internal administrative investigation. Those involved will be placed on administrative leave; no identities will be released at this time.
This is an ongoing investigation, thus the level of details that can be provided at this point are somewhat limited. Our highest priority is providing factually accurate information without compromising the investigation.
We would like to acknowledge the outstanding support and assistance during this incident from our partners at the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. We would also like to thank the United States Forest Service, California Highway Patrol, and Madera County Regional SWAT team for their support.
–Madera County Sheriff’s Department
MCSO is asking anyone with additional information to please call the Madera Police Department at (559) 675-4241. Anonymous tips may be made through Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867).
Madera County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Activity
