Rosamond, Kern County, CA: A Kern County Sheriff’s deputy was shot by a suspect early Friday morning, Dec. 2, during what is normally deemed a routine call for the department.
The deputy was shot in the area of Diamond and Locust streets in the unincorporated community of Rosamond during an exchange of gunfire with the suspect.
Around 3:00 a.m., deputies were dispatched to the Sierra Vista mobile home park on Sierra Highway for a suspicious circumstance – allegedly a suspect was trying car door handles and setting off car alarms, according to Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood at a press conference Friday regarding the incident.
Two separate sheriff’s vehicles responded. Deputy Michael Valdez saw the suspect, engaged him, then the suspect turned and ran. The suspect opened fire on Deputy Valdez shooting one time, then shot five more times with one round striking Valdez in the forehead, according to Youngblood.
Valdez returned to his vehicle for a shotgun, establishing a perimeter for responding deputies, California Highway Patrol and other agencies. Once the perimeter had been established, Valdez’s partner came to his aid and he stated he had been shot, said Youngblood.
Youngblood said the exchange of gunfire lasted for just a few seconds and SWAT was called to respond. The suspect had fled into a residence where a call was placed demanding the suspect come out.
The suspect came out and turned himself in, according to Youngblood. Deputies also located the firearm that was used.
Valdez was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released. The deputy required several stitches for his wound, said Youngblood.
The suspect has been identified as 19-year-old Edgar Rojas who was arrested and charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, felony resisting arrest with violence, possession of a unserialized handgun (ghost gun), unlawful possession of a loaded firearm in public, tampering with a vehicle and prowling.
Eyad Alawi, Video Journalist / KNN
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