Mariposa man shot after attacking Kern County sheriff's deputy

BAKERSFIELD -- A Mariposa man was shot Saturday after he allegedly attacked a Kern County Sheriff's deputy with a metal chair.

Allen Vienneau, 23, of Mariposa County, was treated for a gunshot wound to his lower abdomen after a confrontation with Deputy Wes Kraft at a Bakersfield convenience store. The sheriff's department was responding to a report that Vienneau had been loitering inside the business. When Kraft attempted to arrest Vieanneau on two Mariposa County warrants, he became uncooperative, forcing Kraft to use pepper spray and a baton in the arrest attempt. That's when a Vienneau picked up a metal chair and started to attack Kraft, the sheriff's department said. He struck Kraft with the chair, injuring the deputy's left arm. Kraft fired at Vienneau, who paused for a moment and then continued the attack. The officer fired a second shot, hitting the man in the stomach. Vienneau dropped the chair and fled the business, but he was caught a short distance away by other deputies.

He was taken to Kern Medical Center for treatment for the gunshot wound and was eventually booked into Kern County Jail on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and assault with a deadly weapon. His Mariposa warrants were for alleged terrorist threats and spousal abuse, the sheriff's department said. He is being held in Kern County Jail without bail.

Kraft was treated and released for the injury to his left arm. He was placed on administrative leave while the sheriff's department's shooting review board conducts an investigation. A number of Kern County media organizations are reporting that Kraft was also involved in a July shooting that killed ex-NFL player David "Deacon" Turner. According to the Bakersfield Californian, Kraft shot Turner twice after a fight broke out in front of a Bakersfield convenience store. Turner played for the Cincinatti Bengals from 1978 to 1980.

-- Posted by Brandon Bowers