August 31, 2022 - The Mariposa County Sheriff's Office reports on Tuesday, Mr. Douglas Popke was sentenced to life plus 20 years for the attempted murder of Deputy Garcia in August of 2020.

A jury of 12 entered a guilty verdict in the attempted murder of a peace officer case against Mr. Douglas Popke.

This incident occurred in August of 2020 when Mr. Popke shot at Deputy Jose Garcia while being served civil paperwork.

“Closure and healing. That is what I hope the Garcia Family (Deputy Garcia, his Wife and Children) and the other brave men and women working for the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office received today. I appreciate the process of the justice system and the Jury members who agreed today that violence against another person has no place in our community. I am thankful for District Attorney Walter Wall and his staff who worked diligently to present the facts of this case and supported Deputy Garcia and his family through the court process. Lastly, I want to thank my entire staff and all those who responded to the incident that day in August 2020 and worked hard to provide the details of the incident. My hope is that Deputy Jose Garcia can go home tonight, hug his children, kiss his wife and move forward with his life and career here in Mariposa County,” said Sheriff Jeremy Briese.

“Yes I am happy. I’m happy that this individual who tried to kill and take away one of our protectors / law enforcement family failed. I’m happy that justice was served and that individual will never get the opportunity to plague this community with his actions ever again. The men and women who stand in the face of evil every day, this is just another example of our hero’s that overcome and beat evil to keep our beautiful community safe. This individual never once showed remorse to Deputy Garcia, his wife or children for the hell he put them all through. Every action has consequences and his landed him in prison for life," said Mariposa County Sheriff Briese.
Source: Mariposa County Sheriff's Office

Prior Information:

Mariposa County Sheriff Reports Incident of Shots Being Fired in the Dawn Road and Buckeye Road Area of Mariposa

Updated on September 2, 2020: Critical Incident Video Release - Officer Involved Shooting 8/28/2020

Update: 10:16 P.M. - Suspect- Douglas Popke of Mariposa

Update: 10:05 P.M. - The shelter in place has been removed for the area. The Suspect has been located and taken into custody. There will still be a large amount of Law Enforcement in the area as they continue to process the scene. Please continue to avoid the area. Thank you for your cooperation during this tense incident. 

9:50 p.m. - Suspect in custody. More details to come.

Update: 9:15 - HERE IS WHAT WE KNOW 

A Deputy was attempting to serve an out of state temporary restraining order at a home in the 4000 block of Dawn Road. A male suspect ambushed the deputy with a riffle, the Deputy was able to return fire, hitting the suspect at least once. The suspect was able to flee the immediate area, he remains at large. This is still a very active scene. Suspect is still outstanding, LOTS of Law Enforcement in and around the area. Continue to shelter in place if you live in the Dawn Road / Buckeye Road area.

Original Post: Mariposa County Sheriff's Deputies on scene of an unknown incident with shots fired. Deputies are currently search the area for the suspect. Please avoid the Dawn Rd, Buckeye Rd area. More details will be released as we get them. If you live in the area please shelter in place and call 911 if you see anyone around your home.

9:10 p.m. - Suspect is still outstanding, LOTS of Law Enforcement in and around the area. Continue to shelter in place if you live in the Dawn Road / Buckeye Road area.

8:45 p.m. Update- Currently no Sheriff’s Deputies are injured.

8:35 p.m. Update- If you live in the area please shelter in place and call 911 if you see anyone around your home.

August 28, 2020 - Mariposa County Sheriff's Deputies are on scene of an unknown incident with shots fired.

Deputies are currently searching the area for the suspect. Please avoid the Dawn Rd., Buckeye Rd. area of Mariposa. 

If you live in the area please shelter in place. Call 911 if you see anyone around your home.

Source and photo credit: Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office

Photo credits: Mariposa County Sheriff's Office