MEDIA RELEASE
Contact: Sgt Chris Hewitt
Release Date: 07/03/12
Time: 1200 hrs
Release Number: 2
Update - Officer Involved Shooting in Valley Springs
(Valley Springs, CA) On July 1, 2012 at 12:41 A.M. a Calaveras Sheriff’s deputy responded to the 30 block of Pelican Place, Valley Springs, for a report of a family disturbance. Upon arrival, and prior to being able to exit his patrol vehicle, the deputy was approached by a male adult, identified as Michael Garner Ward (26) of Valley Springs, brandishing a shotgun. As Suspect Ward approached the deputy he pointed the shotgun towards the deputy. Fearing for his safety, the deputy, while seated in his patrol vehicle, fired two shots through the windshield at Suspect Ward. Suspect Ward was not struck by the deputy’s gunfire. A third subject who witnessed the incident was able to disarm the suspect. Suspect Ward was allegedly intoxicated during the incident which prompted the initial call of a family disturbance.
Suspect Ward was arrested and booked into the Calaveras County jail on the charge of Penal Code 245 (d) (1): Assault with a Deadly Weapon (firearm) Against a Peace Officer. Other charges may be pending.
The deputy, Josh Shemenski, a 5-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, received minor injuries and was transported to Mark Twain Hospital, but was later released. Deputy Shemenski was placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure in these types of incidents. The Suspect’s shotgun was recovered at the scene and confiscated as evidence.
This investigation is ongoing, both by the Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office and the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office. Additional information will be released as the investigation continues.
