OAKHURST - Yesterday in the mid-afternoon, the Madera County Sheriff’s Communications Center received a report of multiple hit-and-runs with a vehicle in the area of Highway 49 and State Route 41 in Oakhurst. The suspect was driving a stolen vehicle, and the owner recognized it. The victim then called 9-1-1 and stayed on the phone with Dispatch, updating the location. During the call, the suspect also rammed the reporting party’s car.

Deputies set up a perimeter in the area to spike and disable the vehicle; however, before the suspect made it to that point, he drove the vehicle off the road and ran. Deputies then gave chase down a long driveway. During the foot chase, the suspect shot our K9 Obie with a shotgun, and an exchange of gunfire occurred. K9 Obie and the suspect were both struck.

One deputy on the scene is an EMT and immediately assisted the suspect. The suspect, 41-year-old Allen Scott Williams of Mariposa, was transported by helicopter to a Fresno hospital, where he will make a full recovery.

K9 Obie was taken to a nearby emergency veterinary clinic. X-ray images show his body is riddled with shotgun pellets. He is expected to remain at the veterinary hospital for at least several days. According to doctors, he will live the rest of his life with the numerous pellets but is expected to make a recovery following an extensive rehabilitation period. K9 Officer Obie has been featured on the department's Instagram page to celebrate many holidays over the last year.

Williams is currently on probation out of Mariposa County. He has several active felony warrants for his arrest for charges, including felon in possession of ammunition and felony assault with a deadly weapon. Upon his release from the hospital, he will be booked into the Madera County Jail for multiple felony charges.

Sheriff Tyson Pogue remarks, “I commend the swift and decisive response of our deputies, whose actions prevented further danger to the Oakhurst community. Apprehending a dangerous criminal like Williams is a testament to their dedication to public safety. Our thoughts and prayers remain with our beloved K9 Obie as he recovers. Obie’s bravery and selfless service may have saved a deputy’s life, and we are profoundly grateful for his sacrifice and courage.”