The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office reported that one of their deputies was shot in the face and torso during an attempted traffic stop along Highway 49 south of Mariposa and just after Chase Foothill Gas Station.
The suspect was also shot in the incident and is being treated for his injuries.
Deputies began to pursue the suspect, Brian Ballasch from the Merced area, As he was driving erratically south bound on HWY 49 and refused to stop.
After a short pursuit, the suspect drove his car into assisting deputies vehicles, then got out of his vehicle, and after a short argument started shooting at deputies with a .45 caliber handgun.
One of the deputies was hit in the face and the torso before the suspect was shot.
The deputy who was injured was flown to a North Valley hospital in critical condition.
The suspect is in custody for attempted murder of a peace officer and is being treated for his injuries.
The California Highway Patrol is assisting the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office on scene.
Highway 49 is now open
Suspect Brian Ballasch