MADERA – A Madera County Sheriff’s sergeant was shot in the leg by a suspect during a nearly five-hour standoff at a home in the 28000 block of Avenue 15 3/4 last night.
At about 9 p.m. deputies were called out to a home east of Madera for a report of a domestic disturbance. When they arrived the subject refused to come out of the residence and began shooting at deputies with what they suspect were at least two different firearms. A sergeant was struck in the leg and transported to a Valley hospital.
CHP and Madera P.D. were called in to assist, plus K-9 Teams and the CHP helicopter, and a perimeter was established around the property. The regional SWAT team, which includes the Madera Sheriff’s Office and the Madera and Chowchilla Police Departments, also responded.
Train traffic on the adjacent BNSF tracks was stopped for tactical reasons by the Sheriff’s Office.
Over the next few hours, the suspect continued shooting at law enforcement, who maintained a safe distance, secured the area, and continued contacting the man through a loud speaker and by phone, working to negotiate a peaceful surrender.
At about 1 a.m., deputies began lobbing tear gas into the house in an effort to force the suspect outside. He finally did come out about half-hour later and lay face-down on the ground, arms extended. After sending in the robot to get a clear view of the suspect and ensure he was not armed, officers moved in and took the man into custody. The suspect was not injured during the incident.
Sergeant Mike Pace, a 28-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, was shot in the leg. He was evaluated, treated for a gunshot wound, and has been released from a regional Valley hospital. He is recovering at home.
Though the incident lasted nearly five hours, the measured response by law enforcement resulted in no further injury to any of the parties involved.
“Our deputies and the assisting officers did an amazing job,” said Madera Sheriff’s Commander Tyson Pogue. “We have a close relationship with our surrounding agencies and that is always to our advantage.
“We worked as one team last night to safely contain and take the suspect into custody. We truly have the most professional law enforcers right here in Madera County. They’re dedication, professionalism and courage are second to none.”
Luis Alberto Maravilla, 39, of Madera, was arrested and booked into the Madera County Department of Corrections on multiple felony charges of 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.
Maravilla is being held on a $1 million bond.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to call the Madera County Sheriff’s Office at 559-675-7770, or Valley Crime Stoppers at 559-498-STOP (7867).
