MADERA COUNTY – Officer of the Year Deputy Sheriff Richard Gonzales is recovering from an injury he sustained while chasing a fugitive on foot, according to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.
Saturday night, Aug. 10, shortly before 9 p.m., Deputy Gonzales was attempting to locate a fugitive at a home in Oakhurst.
Cody Crossman, 29, currently on probation and wanted on a narcotics charge, was reportedly staying at a residence on Road 620.
After searching the house and several outbuildings on the property, Deputy Gonzales heard a crash and someone fleeing through the brush on foot.
He gave chase, running through steep terrain and thick brush. During the pursuit, Deputy Gonzales lost his footing and fell down the steep hillside. He sustained major damage to his knee and was unable to move.
Members of the Madera County Sheriff’s Ropes Team successfully extracted Deputy Gonzales. He was immediately transported by ambulance to an area hospital.
As for Cody Crossman, he managed to slip away and remains on the run, says the Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone who may know his whereabouts is urged to call the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.
(Crossman booking photo 2011)
