BLAINE COUNTY — A chaotic attempted vehicle theft in rural Blaine County erupted into gunfire Saturday night, leaving two law-enforcement officers critically injured and a suspect hospitalized after an exchange of shots, according to an official release from the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of Union Road on November 23 after receiving reports of an attempted motorcycle theft. When they arrived, they found the bike sitting in the driveway, undamaged, but the suspect had already fled the immediate scene.
Within minutes, assisting units from the San Andreas Highway Patrol spotted a man matching the description nearby — wearing a white-and-black sweatshirt and what deputies described as a paper bag covering his head. When troopers attempted to make contact, the suspect took off running and made a brazen attempt to steal a marked patrol vehicle.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the situation escalated rapidly. The suspect reportedly drew a firearm and opened fire on multiple responding officers. Deputies and troopers returned fire, striking the suspect and stopping the threat.
One BCSO deputy and one SAHP trooper were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The suspect was also transported for medical treatment and remains hospitalized. His identity has not been released.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that no additional details will be released at this time. All individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the BCSO Community Relations Office at the number provided in their official release.
