TOLLHOUSE - Just before 11:00 am Tuesday morning, Fresno County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the 29000 block of Quail Springs Lane in Tollhouse in Eastern Fresno County. The caller said there was a civil dispute between neighbors regarding property boundary lines. One of these neighbors was a man with a gun who was firing at objects on the land.
Around 11:15 am, two deputies in separate patrol vehicles arrived at the property. As soon as Deputy John Erickson pulled in, a man with a gun began shooting at his patrol truck. Erickson was struck in the leg by a bullet. He made a radio call that he had been hit and numerous resources responded to the scene. Erickson had a civilian riding along in his vehicle, who was able to get out of the truck without getting hit.
The other deputy on scene ushered the civilian to safety, fired in the direction of the suspect and then dragged Erickson a considerable distance to a safe place. Erickson’s partner took cover with him in one place for a long period of time due to them losing sight of the armed suspect. Once several other deputies arrived, they performed a rescue of Erickson, carrying him a long distance through rugged terrain. They finally reached the California Highway Patrol’s helicopter, H40, where the crew loaded Erickson inside and flew him to the hospital.
Fresno County's EAGLE One helicopter, members of the SWAT team and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) responded to the scene. The suspect was believed to be hiding inside a small shed on the property with several firearms. CNT personnel were able to establish a line of communication with the suspect over the phone, which lasted for several hours. Eventually, they were able to convince him to surrender. Around 3:15 pm, the suspect came out of the shed peacefully and deputies were able to place him under arrest.
The suspect, whose name is not being released at this time, was taken to the hospital for a medical examination. Detectives will interview him and then book him into the Fresno County Jail for at least one count of attempted murder.
Deputy John Erickson is 49 years old and has been a deputy with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office for 11 years. He has successfully undergone surgery for internal injuries and a broken leg. He is recovering, listed in critical, but stable condition.
Erickson's wife has issued the following statement.
“I would like to thank the community for all of its support. Everyone has been so wonderful to John and our family, including hospital staff and personnel at the Sheriff’s Office. We only saw John briefly before his surgery. It’s difficult to see him go through this. We look forward to seeing him get back to his usual joking self.”
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to contact the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-3111, Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
