Suspect shot by Chowchilla police identified
A 26-year-old Friant man has been identified as the person shot by Chowchilla police after a vehicle pursuit Sunday afternoon.
Ricard Castillo crashed into a home in the area of South Third Street and Mariposa Avenue after leading officers on a pursuit just after 4 p.m., according to a police news release.
The occupants of the vehicle got out and officers chased after them. Castillo was found hiding and confronted by officers. Police said he had a knife and refused orders to drop the weapon.
The officers shot Castillo in his hand and leg. He was taken to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno by ambulance.
No officers were injured, and Castillo’s condition had not been released.
The officers and dispatcher involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of an investigation, which is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting, pursuant to police department policy.
Police ask anyone with information about the case to call the sheriff’s office at (559) 675-7770. Tips are kept confidential and callers can remain anonymous.
This story was originally published March 2, 2015 at 6:22 PM with the headline "Suspect shot by Chowchilla police identified."